To the Virginia Tech community,

Yesterday, a Virginia Tech student shared on social media her painful story about intimate partner violence. Law enforcement is connecting with the survivor in order to assist her, and the university is fully engaged at all levels. Please know that we remain committed to doing everything in our power to keep campus safe.

Part of keeping campus safe is to encourage individuals to speak out about gender-based violence and to seek help, support, and protection. A list of resources available at Virginia Tech and in our community is included below. Ultimately, it is the absolute refusal from each of us to accept sexual assault and relationship violence as part of any person’s life experience that will create change in our culture and climate. Report what you hear and see, intervene when you can, and support survivors.

I also want to assure you that Virginia Tech’s leaders, including those who represent faculty, staff, and students, share the frustration and concern in our community about gender-based violence. In November, we formed a  21-member working group for exactly this reason.

Virginia Tech is fully committed to action and change through a university-wide response. I encourage you to engage in the efforts of the Sexual Violence Culture and Climate Work Group. Together, we can change the culture.  Together, we can end gender-based violence in our community.

Tim Sands,
President

If you experience intimate partner violence, there are several resources in our community and on our campus to support you.  Please see related information at stopabuse.vt.edu. The website has guidance for filing anonymous or formal reports. In addition, assistance is available through the following  offices and organizations:

  • Women's Center at Virginia Tech: 540-231-7806
  • Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley: 540-639-1123
  • Katie Polidoro: Title IX Coordinator: 540-231-1824
  • Cook Counseling Center: 540-231-6557
  • Dean of Students Office: 540-231-3787
  • Virginia Tech Police Department: 540-382-4343

 

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