Starting today, there will be around-the-clock availability for members of the University of Oregon community seeking assistance and support for sexual violence in the form of a new phone hotline.

The new resource, 541-346-SAFE (7233), is the Sexual Violence Response and Support Services hotline. It launches today as part of a campus-wide effort to create a campus free of sexual violence and harassment and provide students with an integrated, accessible prevention and support system.

The university’s focus on the important national issue is designed to inform and educate students, faculty and staff about how they can help prevent sexual violence and harassment and promote bystander intervention. However, as President Michael Gottfredson said in an email last week, “when sexual violence does occur, it is critical that survivors have access to reporting options and be connected to support services.”

In addition to the Sexual Violence Response and Support Services hotline, the Office of the Dean of Students has prepared a comprehensive resource guide for the UO community to help students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment, including domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. This guide outlines support services that are available from the university, in the community, and through law enforcement, and explains how to access each of these options.

These resources are part of an effort that demonstrates the university’s commitment to the safety, security, health and dignity of each member of our campus community.

For questions about the University of Oregon’s sexual violence and harassment prevention and support efforts, contact Sheryl Eyster, associate dean of students, at seyster@uoregon.edu. For more information about employees’ reporting responsibility and students’ reporting options when faculty or staff is involved please contact Penny Daugherty, director of the Office of Affirmative Action, at penny@uoregon.edu.

- by Melissa Foley, Office of Public Affairs Communications