Sexual Assault Resource Message
Dear VCU students,
Like all of you, we are following the national news coverage about sexual violence on college campuses. We care deeply about every person in our community and want to make sure that you are aware of the resources available to students for reporting sexual violence. We also want to make you aware of educational outreach resources available for students for sexual violence prevention.
Options for reporting
To seek support and learn about rights and options, students may contact:
- Survivor Support Services: Confidential advocates who work directly with survivors to help navigate their options and receive support.
- University Counseling Services (UCS) offers 24/7/365 comprehensive in-person clinical counseling services, recovery support, and outreach to all students. You can always call 804-828-6200 for assistance! Additionally, VCU students have access to free virtual care services through Timely Care.
- Title IX: Experts who are available to meet with members of the VCU community to discuss policies, support and resources.
- Elizabeth Scott-Francis, VCU Title IX Coordinator & director of outreach and support, (804) 828-1347 or [email protected] (EAS)
- Dana King, VCU Title IX Deputy Coordinator, (804) 828-1347 or [email protected] (EAS)
- Kathy Oliveri, deputy Title IX Coordinator for employees, (804) 828-8525 or [email protected] (HR)
- Sofia A. Hiort-Wright, deputy Title IX Coordinator for athletics, (804) 828-2184 or [email protected] (Athletics)
- VCU Police: More than 25 victim/witness specialists, which are officers trained in trauma-informed, survivor-led response to reports of sexual violence. Through the You Have Options Program (YHOP), which has been in place for more than a decade, survivors can choose the reporting option that works best for them: information only report, report and select evidence collection or a full criminal investigation.
- University Student Health Services: Provide medical assistance and advocacy for survivors.
- VCU Dean of Student Advocacy: Reports of misconduct can be submitted directly through the Dean’s Office of Student Advocacy.
Education and outreach
Examples of how VCU is providing students with sexual violence prevention strategies include:
- Ram Ready orientation modules: Starting last summer, Title IX incorporated sexual violence prevention and reporting option education into the existing mandatory orientation modules for all new students. This allows students to access important information on reporting and support alongside other new student onboarding materials
- VCU Police include sexual violence prevention and resource awareness into all new student orientation sessions, including information on the R.A.D. program, victim/witness resources and the You Have Options Program.
- At the beginning of this academic year, VCU Police’s crime prevention team expanded their residence hall outreach and programming material to include sexual assault prevention education.
- Survivor Support Services conducts training, workshops and support groups for students, organizations and departments throughout the year, including training on bystander intervention, informed consent, online dating and more: https://survivorsupport.vcu.edu/programming/.
Our leadership team is committed to campus safety at VCU. Please reach out if we can offer additional support in any way.
Sincerely,
Aaron J. Hart, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Affairs
Elizabeth Scott-Francis, Ed.D., VCU Title IX Coordinator & Director of Outreach and Support
Categories Fall 2026 - Spring 2027, Uncategorized, VPSA Communications