Sexual violence is a serious issue faced by college students. National statistics indicate one out of every four college-aged women have been the victims of sexual violence, and we know that men are victimized as well (www.rainn.org). Georgia Tech works to prevent sexual violence on campus through trainings, policy implementation and a campus-wide task force. In addition, Tech offers strong response services to support any students who may be a victim of stalking, sexual harassment, intimate partner or dating violence, and rape or attempted rape.

Georgia Tech’s policy on student sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence shows Georgia Tech’s commitment to maintain a learning environment that is safe and that fosters the dignity, respect, and worth of students, faculty, and staff. Click here to view the policy.

VOICE is a collaborative anti-violence initiative between the Women’s Resource Center and the Office of Health Promotion that works to address issues of sexual violence on campus through advocacy, education and community outreach. VOICE currently offers five major trainings per semester (Ally, Safe Sister, Fraternity Men, Bystander Intervention, and Advocate) that are open to students, staff, and faculty. Through these trainings and ongoing outreach, we strive to create a culture that does not tolerate any form of violence, and VOICE engages the entire campus community as active, positive bystanders for prevention and response. For additional information about VOICE and training opportunities, visit www.voice.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.

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 Melanie DeMaeyer directly at (404) 385-4501 or the Women's Resource Center at (404) 385-0230. The Women's Resource Center is located in Suite 131, Smithgall Student Services (Flag) Building.

More information about sexual violence prevention and advocacy is available at the Women’s Resource Center website www.womenscenter.gatech.edu or on the VOICE website www.voice.gatech.edu.