Hi All,
Last week an article was published in the Red & Black student newspaper entitled “Rapes of UGA students go uncounted if not reported to campus police” and a link to the article was also posted within this list serv. The article misrepresented information about the RSVP office and support services available to University of Georgia (UGA) students. Our objective in submitting clarification to the SAPC list serv is to ensure that our colleagues are aware of the services this office provides to our campus community.
The UGA Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) office is located in and supported by the University Health Center. It is a safe space for students impacted by sexual violence, stalking, and interpersonal violence.
Who we are
The Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) office has been part of the UGA community for over a decade. Currently, we are part of a university wide effort working towards eradicating and responding to various forms of interpersonal violence.
What we provide
RSVP provides a full spectrum of support services. These include: crisis response, legal advocacy, coordination of medical and emergency services, academic support services, safety planning, accompanying students to any services at the student’s request, and above all, provide ongoing non-judgmental support and encouragement. Additionally, the RSVP office provides comprehensive prevention, awareness and education programs for the UGA community. Within prevention education, bystander intervention strategies are incorporated to improve the climate of safety within the campus.
Location and visibility
We are intentional in our location within the University Health Center. Not only do we provide a private locale in which to meet with students, we are just steps from the Women’s Clinic, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), Other Medical clinics, and Urgent Care Services for after-hours care within the health center facility.
Collaboration
RSVP works collaboratively with on-campus resources such as UGA Police, CAPS, Residence Life, Student Support Services, EOO and Women’s Studies Student Organization, to name just a few. We also partner with community agencies including The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc., and Project Safe (our local domestic violence agency).
Awards
RSVP is a member of the Sexual Assault Review Team (SART). In 2010, this team received the University of Georgia’s Division of Student Affairs “Living the Mission Award” for improving the overall clinical outcomes for student victims by supporting the students’ emotional, physical and social well-being and coordinating and expediting care and referral services. The SART was additionally awarded a 2011 Chancellor’s Customer Service Award for improving delivery of care to students who experienced a sexual assault.
A false assumption was made within the article that UGA’s low sexual assault report rate is due to a lack of resources. As we know, there are a myriad of reasons that a victim might choose to not come forward to report or seek services as a result of the incident. The University Health Center and other offices on campus have maintained and will continue to promote a climate that is safe and supportive of all our community members.
Michele Passonno
Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator
Health Promotion Department
University Health Center
University of Georgia
(706) 542-7233
(706) 542-9778 (fax)
