Supporting survivors: The university highlights resources during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month, observed each April, is a time for the university community to unite to raise awareness of interpersonal violence and highlight the resources available to survivors. The university's Survivor Support Services program assists with the safety, psychological and logistical challenges faced by survivors, tailoring support to their individual needs and experiences.
The Survivor Support Services program, which operates under Counseling and Psych Services, provides free and confidential support to students and employees who are survivors of interpersonal violence, including intimate partner and dating violence, sexual assault, cyber harassment, stalking or abuse in any other form.
Cassandra Hirdes, associate director at CAPS, oversees the program.
Zoom backgrounds allowing users to show their support are available on the Institutional Equity website.
"When I came into CAPS about four years ago, survivor advocacy had been in different offices across campus and we needed some new direction," Hirdes said. "I thought having a stronger tie to the counseling world would make a lot of sense."
Hirdes said the key to the program is empowering survivors to make their own decisions about their healing process. Survivors work with trained advocates who can help navigate emotional support, case management, academic support, legal assistance and safety planning.
Cassandra Hirdes, Associate Director, Counseling and Psych Services
Confidential and customized support
Survivor advocates are trained to offer confidential, nonjudgmental support and help survivors understand their options.
"Survivor advocates are here to listen, provide support and help you navigate what comes next, whether that's legal processes, academic support or just having a safe space to heal," said Kim Soriano, who joined the university as an advocate in 2023.
Soriano said advocates work closely with CAPS to connect survivors with emotional and mental health support and can refer them to off-campus resources if they need more in-depth counseling.
For incidents that are reported, advocates can accompany survivors to court hearings, law enforcement meetings, university meetings or any other part of the process that feels intimidating. Advocates also work with survivors to create tailored safety plans that may include emergency housing, safer transportation or help preparing to leave an abusive relationship.
In addition to emotional support, advocates assist with practical needs that help survivors feel safer and supported on campus. This work can include requesting extensions or other support from professors or supervisors or helping navigate the class withdrawal process if needed. Survivors and advocates can request this support without having to disclose details of the assault, Hirdes said.
"We are confidential advocates, so we don't have to reveal anything," she explained. "Survivors can trust that their privacy is respected and we're here to support them in whatever way they need."
Kim Soriano, Survivor Advocate, Counseling and Psych Services
Spreading the word
Hirdes and Soriano are both focused on increasing visibility for the program, including through fundraising events. The April 2 Wildcats Roar Against Sexual Violence 5K Run/Walk/Roll drew around 130 participants and featured a resource fair, "survivor speakout" and candlelight vigil.
CAPS is also working to raise awareness through workshops, bystander intervention training and other education programs focusing on consent, healthy relationships and how to respond compassionately when someone discloses abuse. Units and organizations can request a presentation through the Survivor Support Services website.
"One of our main goals is to make sure everyone knows that we're here and that these services exist," Soriano said. "We need to reach as many people as possible so survivors know there's a safe place they can go to for help."
Moving forward
Hirdes said she hopes the future brings an opportunity to expand the office's staff, including potentially adding more advocates to meet growing demand. She added that work is underway to make Survivor Support Services' space in the Student Union Memorial Center more welcoming and supportive for survivors, who can often feel isolated and value a place where they can feel comfortable, connected and supported.
"We know the need for advocacy and support won't go away, so we're always looking to grow and improve," Hirdes said. "Expanding our team and providing a comforting environment and offering more proactive education opportunities are key to making sure all students and employees feel safe on campus."
Students and employees can refer themselves or someone else through the Survivor Support Services website. Services are free and confidential and survivors do not need to disclose every detail of their experience to access resources. Additional information and Zoom backgrounds to show support are available at the university's Institutional Equity website.