Survivor Services

COVID-19 Survivor Resources

Physical distancing, working remotely, event cancellations, and the suspension of in-person classes can pose additional challenges for individuals in unsafe living environments. The very things that help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, may also increase isolation and danger for individuals staying or living with abusers and/or unsafe family members.

We know that home is not safe for everyone. You deserve support.

To schedule a time to speak with a Survivor Services staff member by phone, email survivorservices@uhs.wisc.edu and include your student ID number and days/times that you are available.

For more information on academic support, campus services, and additional resources for students, please visit UW-Madison’s webpage dedicated to COVID-19. https://covid19.wisc.edu/for-students/

Confidential & Free Resources for Survivors

National

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Available 24/7
800-799-7233 and through chat

National Sexual Assault Hotline
Available 24/7
800-656-HOPE (4673) and through chat

StrongHearts Native Helpline
specifically for Native communities
7 a.m. -10 p.m. CST
844-762-8483.

TransLifeLine
peer support for trans folx
9 a.m. – 3 a.m.
877-565-8860

Local

Unidos La Red
24/7 Linea de Ayuda
800-510-9195

DAIS (Domestic Abuse and Intervention Services)
24/7
608-251-4445

Rape Crisis Center
24/7
608-251-7273
Línea de Ayuda 608-258-2567

Safety plans

Safety planning is a personalized plan that includes ways to remain safe while in an abusive or toxic relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave that relationship. Safety planning isn’t just about physical safety – it’s also identifying ways to support yourself emotionally.

Tips

Identify supportive people–a trusted friend, co-worker, or family member who you can ask to check-in with you during this time
Maintain social connections online or over the phone.
Be gentle with yourself. You deserve care and kindness.
Take a few minutes for yourself. We recognize this can be difficult to do when living in the same space as an abuser. If you are able to get some privacy, even for a few minutes, use this time to re-affirm your self-worth and remind yourself that it is never your fault when someone chooses to be abusive to you.
Brainstorm a few plausible reasons for leaving the house, apartment, living space so you can get a few minutes to yourself. Social distancing is important right now, but as long as you are approximately 6 feet away from other people, it is okay to get some fresh air, take a walk, go for a run outside.

If you need help safety planning, email survivorservices@uhs.wisc.edu to set up a time to speak with one of our advocates over the phone. You can also access these resources:

Interactive Guide to Safety Planning by loveisrespect.org
Safety planning information from National Domestic Violence Hotline

You are not alone. We believe you and we are here for you.

Survivor Services provides confidential support to UW–Madison student victims/survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking. These services are available at no cost and available in Spanish upon request.

Survivor Services holds Open Access (drop-in) Hours for UW–Madison student survivors as well as those seeking information on how to support a survivor during the fall and spring semesters. Survivor Services does not operate a 24-hour crisis line.

For more information or to set up an appointment, email survivorservices@uhs.wisc.edu.

Open Access (drop-in) Hours

COVID-19 service update:

Open Access is unavailable until further notice. For advocacy needs or to set up a time to speak with a Survivor Services provider via phone, please email survivorservices@uhs.wisc.edu.

Survivor Services informed participation agreement

Survivor Information & Resources

Information and Referral Services

One-time consultation to explore needs and options for resources and support
Information on support groups, starting counseling, or referrals to services and care management
Support and consultations to family, friends, and UW–Madison employees
Information about reporting options
Information about and assistance in changing academic, living, transportation, and work situations
Information about criminal processes, campus policies and procedures, how to petition for a restraining order, and victim rights.

Individual Counseling

Trauma-sensitive, collaborative and strengths-based approach.
Ongoing, individualized counseling and care coordination as part of the healing process.
Support in working toward short and long-term healing goals
Survivor Services does not have a session limit. Counselors work with students to determine how many sessions may be appropriate based on individual goals and needs
To connect to services, please drop in to Open Access hours or email survivorservices@uhs.wisc.edu.

Advocacy and Accompaniment

When requested by a student survivor, our staff may be available to accompany them to appointments (i.e., medical, legal, campus disciplinary hearings) to provide support and advocate on their behalf when appropriate.
If you have an upcoming court date, meeting with a campus official as part of an investigation, or are reporting to law enforcement, you have the right to have a victim advocate with you.
Generally, we ask for two weeks notice to arrange our schedules to attend a meeting with a student.

Support Groups for Survivors

Confidential support groups facilitated by Survivor Services and/or Mental Health providers
Options for both closed and open groups
Topic-based and drop-in groups

Confidential means that—as allowable by law—the information survivors share with our victim advocates will not be disclosed to anyone—including law enforcement, campus authorities or parents—without the explicit written permission of the student victim/survivor. Read the UHS statement on confidentiality for victims of sexual violence.