JMU Victim Advocacy services act as a safe, confidential, welcoming, and inclusive resource for JMU students who have experienced sexual violence, relationship abuse, or stalking, whether recently or in the past. We also serve family, friends, and other support persons to student survivors. We welcome all who may have questions, who need support and guidance, and who are seeking resources and connection. Whatever you decide is right for you, Victim Advocates are here to help.

To connect with an advocate:

• Visit the Advocacy office (SSC 3200)
• Call (540) 568-6251 or
• Email victimadvocacy@jmu.edu

Advocates are responsive to email and phone during our regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8am–4:30pm. Our advocates respond as soon as possible during these business hours and no later than one business day from the time you initiate contact.

If you need immediate assistance from an advocate outside of business hours, options include:

• Calling the Collins Center, Harrisonburg's 24/7 sexual assault crisis agency, at (540) 434-2272 to reach a community-based sexual assault advocate.
• Calling First Step, Harrisonburg's 24/7 domestic violence crisis agency, at (540) 434-0295 to reach a community-based domestic violence advocate.
• For emergency medical services, visit the nearest hospital emergency room. Harrisonburg's hospital is Sentara RMH Medical Center (540) 689-1414, located at 2019 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
• Calling 911 for emergency and/or police assistance

• Get to a safe place.
• Call a friend, relative, and/or a victim advocate to be with you.
  • JMU Victim Advocates are available Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm: (540) 568-6251
  • The Collins Center, our community-based advocates, has a 24-hour sexual assault crisis hotline and advocates who can provide 24/7 services: 540-434-2272
• Seek medical care. There may be injuries that you are unaware of.
  • The University Health Center’s medical providers can provide medical services to survivors including STI testing and prophylaxis at no cost, HIV testing at no cost, pregnancy testing and emergency contraception at no cost, and other medical services and referrals as needed. Advocates can help to connect you to these services as well as to local hospital resources if you would like a forensic exam. The University Health Center is a confidential resource.
• Seek support from a confidential resource such as JMU’s Victim Advocacy, the Counseling Center, and the University Health Center. These offices can help you access care, find support, and understand your options, and they are also exempt from Title IX reporting requirements. Note that almost all other JMU faculty and staff, including student positions such as RA’s, are required to report sexual assault incidents they learn of to Title IX.
• If you want additional help from the university, consider contacting Title IX. Title IX can offer resources like assistance with academics, housing, no contact orders, and the campus conduct process. Title IX treats all reports with care and discretion.
• You can call the police to file a report, press charges, or just get assistance.
• If you choose to report criminally, if at all possible try not to bathe, shower, brush your teeth or hair, wash clothes, eat or drink, or use the restroom because it may interfere with evidence collection. Bring clothing that was worn during the assault to the hospital.
• Seek emotional support. Remember, the assault was not your fault.
• Some additional response resources are available here.

• Email Victim Advocacy or
• Call and leave a voicemail for a Victim Advocate at (540) 568-6251

An advocate will respond to you as soon as possible during these business hours and no later than one business day from the time you initiate contact.