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[CW: Sexual Violence]
To the GW community,
In recent days, allegations of sexual assault have dominated both the news cycle and social media. As GW students living and working in the nation’s capital, the impact of these events can be difficult to cope with and may prove especially triggering for those in our community who are survivors of traumatic events. To our friends and peers who are struggling in this difficult time, all of us at the Student Association and GW Students Against Sexual Assault are standing with you.
As discussions regarding these events will likely persist and may intensify in the next few days, we wanted to remind you of the resources available to you:
GW Student Against Sexual Assault is a peer-led student organization whose purpose is to provide the members in the GW community with educational and supportive services related to sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, sexual harassment, and stalking. Their office hours are available throughout the week, or you can reach out directly by emailing them at gwsasa@gwu.edu.
Colonial Health Center, Mental Health Services - Mental Health Services offers 24/7 crisis services at 202-994-5300. MHS also offers services by appointment.The first six (6) sessions are free of charge.
GW Haven - Haven offers resources related to sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence and stalking. Contact them at (202) 994-7222.
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) 24/7 Hotline - RAINN offers crisis intervention services through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE and secure online chat.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) -The NCADV offers two hotlines at 1-800-799-7233 or (TTY) 1-800-787-3224.
We know that that sexual violence transcends partisanship. Moreover, survivors may be struggling to cope with the rapid pace of news, which can provoke flashbacks of their own experiences. Some responses can be visible, but others may go unseen. We strongly encourage all members of our community—students, faculty, and staff—to practice caution and sensitivity as we approach this discussion.
In critical moments like these, we hope our student community will come together to bring about healing and comfort. Even small acts of kindness can make a lifetime of difference.
If you or someone that you know could benefit from help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember that you are not now, nor will you ever be, alone.
In kindness and support,
GW Student Association and GW Students Against Sexual Assault