October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month, University Health Services continues our year-round work to prevent dating violence and support survivors. Connect with us and learn more about how you can support survivors on October 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a cup of coffee outside 333 East Campus Mall.
Get Educated through GetWIse@Home
Education plays a crucial role in preventing violence on campus. UHS offers violence prevention programs to help students understand, address, and avoid violence.
The GetWIse@Home program, mandatory for first year and transfer students, covers topics related to violence prevention and support for survivors. This program is also available annually to all undergraduates as a refresher to reinforce their knowledge and skills.
“These topics are not only a concern for first-year students,” says Sam Bowen, Assistant Director of Violence Prevention. “In fact, the risk of experiencing some form of sexual or relationship violence increases the longer a student has been on campus. Repeated opportunities for education on violence prevention will increase the effectiveness of our violence prevention strategy.”
The program includes four modules:
- DatingWIse (healthy relationships)
- SexWIse (healthy sex)
- ListenWIse (support for survivors)
- ActWIse (bystander intervention)
Year-Round Survivor Support and Resources
UHS supports student survivors through advocacy, mental health, and medical services—including Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE) on-site—that are no-cost, confidential, and available to students of all genders. Our team will validate your experience while also sharing information and resources you might need, like referrals, accommodations, and reporting options.
Students can schedule an appointment to talk with an advocate and learn about their options by calling 608-265-5600 (option 3) or self-scheduling via MyUHS. Learn more about UHS Survivor Services on our website.
Drop-In Survivor Groups
These groups offer a confidential, supportive space for student survivors to connect with peers. Groups are open to students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, or childhood sexual abuse.
Crafty Coping Community for Survivors
Facilitators will guide members through creative, sensory, and movement-based coping strategies to navigate trauma and foster post-traumatic growth. Groups are open to students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, or childhood sexual abuse.
- Wednesdays from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (in-person)
- Location: 333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor, Room 7001
- Group Leaders: Alex Little and Austin Folger
Virtual Support for Survivors
Led by mental health professionals, the group fosters openness and affirmation while focusing on coping skills and supports for post-traumatic growth. Some boundaries around sharing trauma narratives will be maintained. Sign-up online.
- Mondays from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
- Group Leaders: Kayla Eggen and Bridget Leyendecker