Collaboration

Working with our allies is the key to the work we do. This collaboration and coalition work is done both on and off-Grounds through work with other University programs and departments, and with community organizations and agencies:

• Sexual Assault Education Council: The SAEO coordinates this monthly meeting of represented from concerned student groups and University departments. We discuss current issues, share information and resources, and collaborate on programs when appropriate.
• Charlottesville/Albemarle County Council on Sexual and Domestic Violence: the SAEO sits on the steering committee of this council, which has worked for several years to improve services to survivors and make the criminal justice system work more effectively for victims of these crimes.

Education Programs and Training

The SAEO staff works toward educating the University of Virginia community in a variety of ways:

• Supporting the work of student groups, such as SAFE and One in Four, in promoting a more aware and safe environment for all students at the University.
• Consultation and training for faculty, teaching assistants, staff, and health care professionals in the Health Science Center.
• Sponsoring nationally-recognized authorities on sexual assault, domestic violence, gender relationships at the University, usually in collaboration with the UVA Women's Center, other programs and academic departments.
• Publication and distribution of educational handouts and booklets.

Advising

The SAEO offers initial guidance for survivors, their friends, family, and others, who are seeking information and support concerning assault and abuse. She helps clients determine their most urgent courses of action at the moment, and can provide referrals for counseling, academic support, and other issues. Typically, survivors seeking counseling are referred to CAPS (students only), the Women's Center Counseling Services, SARA or SHE, although there are other options available as well.

Advocacy

The Sexual Assault Education Coordinator serves as advisor to students seeking redress through the Sexual Assault Board. In addition, the SAEC also will accompany students to court, to the Court Services Unit (for filing for protective orders), as well as on interviews with police or Commonwealth's attorneys, and to any other offices or departments at UVa or in the community as s/he desires.