Gender-based violence prevention education promote a healthy UC

Student Wellness Center staff and their campus partners are working to ensure that students, faculty, and staff better understand how to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and how to support those who have experienced GBV. GBV includes sexual assault, partner violence, and stalking. The SWC coordinates primary prevention activities on campus and works with partners across the institution to provide presentations and events to educate the UC community on preventing GBV.

Between Fall 2018 and Fall 2019, the SWC hosted 60 programs and events related to GBV prevention, including large-scale events like Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Dating Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). SAAM was a collaborative event in partnership with the Office of Gender Equity and Inclusion, the Women Helping Women on-campus advocates, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Graduate Student Government. During DVAM, education events were offered throughout the month of October.

The SWC has worked with Athletics to train all student athletes and athletics staff on NCAA-mandated sexual violence prevention training. During the 2018-19 academic year, students and staff were trained on bystander intervention, an evidence-based strategy to help reduce incidents of GBV. In Fall 2019, the SWC partnered with Fraternity and Sorority Life, as well as several staff members in the Division of Student Affairs, to provide bystander intervention training for all fraternities and sororities.

“UC and the Student Wellness Center have really expanded the outreach and programming we do for gender-based violence prevention. We look forward to reaching more students and providing innovative prevention in the future,” said Student Wellness Center director, Brandy Reeves. 

If you are interested in learning how you can help make UC a safe and healthy campus for all students, faculty, and staff, please contact the Student Wellness Center. Faculty, staff, and students may also request a bystander intervention presentation for their office, class, or organization.