Colleen Riggle
Assistant Dean/Director of Women’s Resource Center

Female students are most likely to be sexually assaulted during their first semester on a college campus. National statistics indicate one out of every six American women have been the victims of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime (www.rainn.org). Georgia Tech works to prevent sexual violence on campus through class presentations, policy implementation, and a campus-wide task force but also offers strong response services to support any students who may be a victim of stalking, harassment or rape/attempted rape.

Georgia Tech recently approved the revised policy on student sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, stalking, and intimate partner violence. With the approval of this policy Georgia Tech shows its commitment to maintain a learning environment that is safe and that foster the dignity, respect, and worth of students, faculty, and staff. For more information about that policy please visit the Office of Student Integrity website www.osi.gatech.edu.

Sexual violence can be a traumatic, confusing experience, but students don't have to go through this alone. The Women's Resource Center has specially trained advocates who can provide confidential guidance and support to Georgia Tech students who have directly experienced sexual violence or who want to support a friend in need.

An advocate can assist students in identifying resources to cope with the aftermath of sexual violence. These resources include counseling services, medical attention, and concerns with housing or classes. An advocate can also provide support to a student who chooses to report the assault to the police or the Office of Student Integrity. In these cases, an advocate can provide information about the campus policy on sexual assault and the judicial process as well as accompany students to meetings and provide support during hearings.

A student is not required to report a sexual assault to receive support services. If students are unsure if they want to report the assault, they may make an appointment with the Women's Resource Center to discuss their options.

For assistance, please contact Colleen Riggle directly at 404.385.1563 or the Women's Resource Center at 404.385.0230. The Women's Resource Center is located in Suite 131 Student Services (Flag) Building. More information about sexual violence is available at the Women’s Resource Center's website www.womenscenter.gatech.edu.