Being a JMU Duke means going beyond basics to Being the Change. We commit to ongoing, intersectional learning about what it takes to prevent sexual harm. We commit to learning the social-emotional skills to respect and protect each other.

Learn How to Support Someone
  • Audience-Specific Support – Explore resources and information specific to groups such as faculty and staff, parents, BIPOC students, LGBTQIQA+ students, and other important groups in our community
  • Self Help Resources – Explore topics including relationships, self-care, trauma, and other concerns experienced by JMU students
  • How to Support Your Student – Learn ways you can support a student and yourself
  • Help Someone Connect to Resources – How to speak with someone and connect them to valuable confidential and reporting resources
  • Responding to Student Situations – The Counseling Center maintains pages on helping distressed students, supporting sexual assault survivors, and other important general resource information
  • How and When to Report Sexual Misconduct – The Title IX Office assists employees in determining if an incident should be reported and how to respond to a student’s disclosure
Statistics
Training and General Information
JMU Programs
  • Sexual Trauma Empowerment Program (STEP) – The Counseling Center at JMU provides a variety of clinical, educational, consultation, and referral services for survivors
  • Sexual and Relationship Health Programs – Find a variety of programs from JMU’s Health Promotion, such as safer sex stations, sexual health coaching, and information on STI/STD testing procedures
  • Health Promotion Introductory Programs – Improve your understanding of personal wellness by attending an introductory class for different aspects of wellness
  • Green Dot Bystander Intervention – Learn an evidence-based strategy to prevent power-based personal violence in our community
  • Restorative Practices – This program guides individuals through intentional processes centered on conflict prevention and conflict management by promoting empathy, accountability, and community well-being
Awareness Months and Events

View the Events Feed for other regularly posted workshops and events. If you are looking for specific information not found on this page, please contact Victim Advocacy Services (a confidential resource) or the Title IX Office (a reporting resource).

One Student's Path to Prevention

When Blake arrived at JMU, they learned about university policies prohibiting sexual misconduct. They understood the importance of consent, but when a friend blacked out from alcohol and went home with someone who didn't understand what was happening, Blake understood that ensuring consent wasn't so straightforward.

In their first year, Blake learned in the Wellness Passport Program that healthy communication — communication about who we are and what we want in all aspects of our lives — is the foundation for sexual consent.

In their second year, Blake took a class on interpersonal violence and learned about structures and power dynamics that affect consent. Blake began to notice when a friend didn't have money for a ride home, or when a friend was harassed for both their gender and race.

In their third year, Blake got involved in mentoring underrepresented individuals interested in the math major. Blake also started speaking up when student groups segregated by gender or when peers made stereotyping or demeaning comments that Blake would have previously ignored.

In their fourth year, Blake was in a long-term relationship and developed relational practices with their partner to navigate each other's boundaries as they grew and changed together. Blake was amazed by how their consent practices extended to every area of their lives, from professional relationships to family.

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