Personal Identity Resources

Sexuality covers a wide spectrum of complex behaviors, feelings, ideas, and values that vary among cultures and personal identities. Concerns related to your sexual identity, disability, citizenship status, race, ethnicity, or whether the perpetrator is your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, or spouse can cause confusion, isolation, and fear of further conflict.

At UVA's Title IX Office, we recognize your identity, personal history, and cultural values pertaining to aggression, assertiveness, and sexual violence impact your understanding of what you experienced and recovery from it.

How does personal identity affect my understanding of and recovery from sexual violence?

Although there is not a universal set of experiences or identities, there are some common factors that may create barriers for survivors who belong to marginalized communities as they seek support.

These factors include, but are not limited to: 

  • Cultural and/or religious beliefs that restrain the victim from leaving an abusive relationship or involving others in personal matters
  • Fear surrounding the impact of their family finding out about their assault and whether it will bring shame to themselves and their family
  • Fear that their experience will negatively reflect on or confirm the stereotypes projected onto their community or ethnicity
  • Intersecting stigmas of homophobia and/or transphobia, racism, and victimhood
  • Lack of advocates or counselors who look like the victim or share common experiences
  • Legal status of the victim and/or perpetrator
  • Strong ties to one's culture, race, and/or family that add to pressure not to report what happened
  • Struggles to find accessible, affirming, and affordable support due to the economic disparities marginalized communities face

We understand that finding a support system of people with similar backgrounds and life experiences as you plays a vital role in the healing process. 

Identity-Based Resources and Support

Below, find University, community, and national resources that provide culturally supportive assistance to marginalized communities.

LGBTQ+ Survivors

University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary student mental health clinic on-Grounds. CAPS is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. They can help you with concerns related to personal matters, relationships, development, substance use, academic performance, and trauma. Specifically, check out the CAPS LGBTQ+ Support group here.

The LGBTQ Center

  • Located on the third floor of Newcomb Hall, the LGBTQ Center is a welcoming safe space and programming center at UVA. Whether you are questioning, coming out, LGBTQ+-identified, or an ally, you are welcome in the LGBTQ Center. The Center is staffed fully by student volunteers and provides opportunities to gather in supportive community.

Multicultural Student Center (MSC)

  • Located on the second floor of Newcomb Hall, the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) aims to facilitate a student-centered, collaborative space that supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, while cultivating the holistic empowerment of all students. The MSC's programs aim to build understanding through dialogue, enhance personal development, and equip students to become citizen leaders.

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

  • The Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST) is committed to creating the safest possible living and learning environment. SS&ST has developed intervention and prevention resources in direct response to real-life situations observed and reported by students. They are available 24/7 to help you through any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe. 

Title IX Office

  • The Title IX Office is dedicated to ensuring gender equity at UVA, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of sex discrimination — including gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination — and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. They offer both formal and informal options for addressing such incidents.

*NOTE: Please know under the Virginia Reporting Statute, UVA is required to report information about certain allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities who would be responsible, respectively, for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. UVA must report in the following situations:

  • If the Evaluation Panel concludes there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of the Complainant or any other member of the UVA community
  • If the alleged act of Prohibited Conduct constitutes a felony violation of the Code of Virginia

Otherwise, the Title IX Office will reach out to the Complainant and ask whether they would like to be connected with law enforcement in order to honor their wishes.

The Women's Center

  • The Women's Center is dedicated to nurturing a well environment that supports and cares for the UVA community. Their anti-racist and feminist work for social justice is built on the pillars of diversity & inclusion, equity & equality, and compassion & solidarity. Fostering the safety, dignity, and respect of women and girls is central to the mission of the Women's Center. Their counseling staff provides confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge, as well as referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area.
Community

Cville Pride Community Network

  • The Cville Pride Community Network strives to create an inclusive, vibrant, and visible LGBTQ community in Albemarle, Charlottesville, and the surrounding region that promotes equality through advocacy, education, events, and outreach. As such, they offer information about local LGBTQ-friendly places, such as LGBTQ-owned businesses, gender-neutral bathrooms, housing, and LGBTQ-friendly healthcare providers.

LGBTQ+ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline

  • The LGBTQ+ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline focuses on anti-violence in the queer community. This is a space for survivors and people impacted by violence, like family, friends, professionals, and the general public, to connect about LGBTQ+ focused resources. The helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

PFLAG Blue Ridge

  • PFLAG Blue Ridge is made up of parents, families, friends, and straight allies uniting with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and surrounding areas. They promote the health and well-being of LGBT persons, their families, and friends through support to cope with an adverse society, education to enlighten an ill-informed public, and advocacy to end discrimination and secure civil rights. They offer monthly community groups that provide support and education, a lending library, and opportunities for members to volunteer in advocacy and outreach efforts in the community.

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

  • The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) serves anyone who has experienced or who cares for someone who has experienced sexual violence. SARA offers a 24/7 hotline to answer your questions and support you. When you call, they will answer your questions courteously and respectfully, listen and not blame you, provide information about your options and rights, and respect your feelings. Specifically, SARA's confidential advocate is available to students on-Grounds — simply call the hotline and ask them to connect you with the confidential advocate assigned to UVA.

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

  • The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) offers a combination of residential, community-based, and outreach services to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. SHE provides case management and counseling, crisis intervention, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, as well as programs for children and adolescents. For immediate assistance, you can call their 24/7 hotline.

"Trans in the South" Guide

  • The "Trans in the South: A Directory of Trans-Affirming Health & Legal Service Providers" guide is a directory of health and legal service providers in the South who are trans-affirming. They provide lists of trans-friendly mental health providers, primary care physicians, HIV care specialists, endocrinologists, attorneys, and more across 13 Southern states. There are also resources available to assist with funding your medical transition and provide helpful information about insurance coverage.

Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP)

  • The Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP) strives to combat violence against and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ communities in Virginia. They advocate on behalf of all LGBTQ+ community members impacted by violence and provide direct services, outreach, and training for LGBTQ+ community members in Virginia. 
National

The Anti-Violence Project (AVP)

  • The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) aims to end all forms of violence toward LGBTQ+ and HIV positive communities through education and organizing. They provide survivor support through advocacy and counseling as well. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of violence, or are concerned about someone who has, call or text their free and confidential 24/7 hotline. All callers receive immediate crisis counseling and safety planning, access to ongoing counseling and advocacy resources, and onsite legal services.

LGBT National Help Center

  • The LGBT National Help Center provides free and confidential peer support and local resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, which focuses on coming out, safe sex, sexual violence, and relationship problems. Their LGBT National Hotline (available Monday-Friday from 4pm-12am and Saturday from 12-5pm) and online peer-support chat provides an anonymous and confidential "safe space" where callers can talk about many different issues, including coming out, gender identities and/or sexuality, relationship concerns, bullying, HIV/AIDS anxiety, suicide, and more.

FORGE

  • FORGE provides educational resources directly to transgender, gender nonbinary, and gender non-conforming survivors of sexual violence. FORGE houses important resources for allies, family, friends, and significant others as well. They can also connect you with resources in your local area after an incident of sexual violence.

You can access the printable brochure for LGBTQ+ survivors here.

Survivors With a Disability

University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary student mental health clinic on-Grounds. CAPS is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. They can help you with concerns related to personal matters, relationships, development, substance use, academic performance, and trauma.

Student Disability Access Center (SDAC)

  • The Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) strives to promote a culture of access and inclusion for students with disabilities across all academic programs and University services. Every year, many individuals with disabilities are served through their offices, including those with learning disabilities, AD/HD, psychological conditions, chronic health conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorder, blind or low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing, and temporary injuries. If you have discovered a disability-related barrier to accessing University academic programs, events, or facilities, you can report it here.

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

  • The Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST) is committed to creating the safest possible living and learning environment. SS&ST has developed intervention and prevention resources in direct response to real-life situations observed and reported by students. They are available 24/7 to help you through any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe. 

Title IX Office

  • The Title IX Office is dedicated to ensuring gender equity at UVA, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of sex discrimination — including gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination — and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. They offer both formal and informal options for addressing such incidents.

*NOTE: Please know under the Virginia Reporting Statute, UVA is required to report information about certain allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities who would be responsible, respectively, for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. UVA must report in the following situations:

  • If the Evaluation Panel concludes there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of the Complainant or any other member of the UVA community
  • If the alleged act of Prohibited Conduct constitutes a felony violation of the Code of Virginia

Otherwise, the Title IX Office will reach out to the Complainant and ask whether they would like to be connected with law enforcement in order to honor their wishes.

The Women's Center

  • The Women's Center is dedicated to nurturing a well environment that supports and cares for the UVA community. Their anti-racist and feminist work for social justice is built on the pillars of diversity & inclusion, equity & equality, and compassion & solidarity. Fostering the safety, dignity, and respect of women and girls is central to the mission of the Women's Center. Their counseling staff provides confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge, as well as referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area.
Community

disAbility Law Center of Virginia

  • The disAbility Law Center is the designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization of Virginia. Their services include information and referral, legal representation, technical assistance, short-term assistance, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and training. They are independent from Virginia state and local government, and they provide their services free of charge.

Disability Resources United

  • Disability Resources United is your one-stop guide to community resources for people living with disabilities. They bring together a comprehensive network of resources committed to providing the tools, services, and support needed to improve the quality of life of every adult, senior, or child living with a disability in the Albemarle/Charlottesville community. Their guide includes 15 different categories — ranging from mental health services to rehabilitation therapy — each detailing a list of resources providing services specific to that need.

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

  • The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) serves anyone who has experienced or who cares for someone who has experienced sexual violence. SARA offers a 24/7 hotline to answer your questions and support you. When you call, they will answer your questions courteously and respectfully, listen and not blame you, provide information about your options and rights, and respect your feelings. Specifically, SARA's confidential advocate is available to students on-Grounds — simply call the hotline and ask them to connect you with the confidential advocate assigned to UVA.

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

  • The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) offers a combination of residential, community-based, and outreach services to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. SHE provides case management and counseling, crisis intervention, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, as well as programs for children and adolescents. For immediate assistance, you can call their 24/7 hotline.
National

Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS)

  • Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) empowers Deaf and Deaf/Blind survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment to transform their lives, while striving to change the beliefs and behaviors that foster and perpetuate violence. They provide comprehensive services to individuals and families, including advocacy, a children's program, counseling, education and outreach, and supportive housing. 

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)

  • The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. They are the only legally based advocacy organization established by Congress to protect the rights of all individuals with disabilities. As part of that mandate, NDRN's network includes agencies in every state and U.S. territory, working to provide legal protection and advocacy services for people with disabilities.

The Deaf Hotline

You can access the printable brochure for survivors with a disability here.

Non-U.S. Citizen Survivors

University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary student mental health clinic on-Grounds. CAPS is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. They can help you with concerns related to personal matters, relationships, development, substance use, academic performance, and trauma.

Multicultural Student Center (MSC)

  • Located on the second floor of Newcomb Hall, the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) aims to facilitate a student-centered, collaborative space that supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, while cultivating the holistic empowerment of all students. The MSC's programs aim to build understanding through dialogue, enhance personal development, and equip students to become citizen leaders.

Multicultural Student Services (MSS)

  • Multicultural Student Services (MSS) aims to promote engagement and inclusion for historically underrepresented students. They enhance the undergraduate experience through co-curricular programs and culturally relevant services that are meant to empower students in their identity, build community, and help a diverse group of students find their individual and collective voices. You can access the DACA & Undocumented Student Resources they compiled here.

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

  • The Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST) is committed to creating the safest possible living and learning environment. SS&ST has developed intervention and prevention resources in direct response to real-life situations observed and reported by students. They are available 24/7 to help you through any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe.

Title IX Office

  • The Title IX Office is dedicated to ensuring gender equity at UVA, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of sex discrimination — including gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination — and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. They offer both formal and informal options for addressing such incidents.

*NOTE: Please know under the Virginia Reporting Statute, UVA is required to report information about certain allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities who would be responsible, respectively, for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. UVA must report in the following situations:

  • If the Evaluation Panel concludes there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of the Complainant or any other member of the UVA community
  • If the alleged act of Prohibited Conduct constitutes a felony violation of the Code of Virginia

Otherwise, the Title IX Office will reach out to the Complainant and ask whether they would like to be connected with law enforcement in order to honor their wishes.

The Women's Center

  • The Women's Center is dedicated to nurturing a well environment that supports and cares for the UVA community. Their anti-racist and feminist work for social justice is built on the pillars of diversity & inclusion, equity & equality, and compassion & solidarity. Fostering the safety, dignity, and respect of women and girls is central to the mission of the Women's Center. Their counseling staff provides confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge, as well as referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area.
Community

Ayuda

  • Ayuda provides language, legal, and social services to help low-income immigrants in neighborhoods access justice and transform their lives. Their expert and dedicated professionals help immigrants from anywhere in the world navigate the immigration and justice systems and access the social safety net. Ayuda's comprehensive and welcoming approach breaks down barriers, helps those in need, and makes communities stronger.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

  • The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. They work with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help such individuals translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities.

Legal Aid Justice Center

  • The Legal Aid Justice Center's Immigrant Justice Program works to end mass detention and deportation of immigrants in Virginia and to break the ties between immigration enforcement and local and state government and law enforcement. They partner with local community members and community organizations in addition to national advocacy organizations to promote systemic reforms reducing the abuse and exploitation of immigrants, and to advocate for policies that promote integration and protection of immigrant communities. 

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

  • The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) serves anyone who has experienced or who cares for someone who has experienced sexual violence. SARA offers a 24/7 hotline to answer your questions and support you. When you call, they will answer your questions courteously and respectfully, listen and not blame you, provide information about your options and rights, and respect your feelings. Specifically, SARA's confidential advocate is available to students on-Grounds — simply call the hotline and ask them to connect you with the confidential advocate assigned to UVA.

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

  • The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) offers a combination of residential, community-based, and outreach services to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. SHE provides case management and counseling, crisis intervention, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, as well as programs for children and adolescents. For immediate assistance, you can call their 24/7 hotline.

Sin Barreras

  • Sin Barreras educates, supports, and serves the immigrant community, focusing on the Hispanic population of Charlottesville and surrounding areas. They provide direct services to clients, run workshops to provide education and resources for both the Spanish and English speaking communities, and participate in advocacy initiatives that affect their clients.
National

Alliance for Immigrant Survivors (AIS)

  • The Alliance for Immigrant Survivors (AIS) is a national network of advocates and allies dedicated to defending and advocating for policies that ensure immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other gender-based abuses have access to life-saving protections that all survivors of violence deserve. Their work involves building a network of advocates and allies who address gender-based violence by centering and protecting immigrant survivors. 

ASISTA

  • ASISTA is a network of attorneys and advocates across the nation working at the intersection of immigration and gender-based violence. Through policy change and legal support, they are challenging the oppressive systems that endanger survivors. ASISTA coordinates lawsuits to prevent the government from unfairly supporting survivors of violence and pushes for federal policies that ensure safety and justice for immigrant survivors. 

Immigrant Women Too

  • Immigrant Women Too is a national movement to uplift the stories of immigrant and refugee women and defend the human rights of all who turn to the United States for safety and justice. Inspired by the #metoo movement, they call on political leaders at all levels, community-based organizations, and individuals to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who arrives at America's borders seeking safety, refuge, and dignity.

You can access the printable brochure for non-U.S. citizen survivors here.

Male Survivors

University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary student mental health clinic on-Grounds. CAPS is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. They can help you with concerns related to personal matters, relationships, development, substance use, academic performance, and trauma.

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

  • The Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST) is committed to creating the safest possible living and learning environment. SS&ST has developed intervention and prevention resources in direct response to real-life situations observed and reported by students. They are available 24/7 to help you through any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe.

Title IX Office

  • The Title IX Office is dedicated to ensuring gender equity at UVA, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of sex discrimination — including gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination — and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. They offer both formal and informal options for addressing such incidents.

*NOTE: Please know under the Virginia Reporting Statute, UVA is required to report information about certain allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities who would be responsible, respectively, for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. UVA must report in the following situations:

  • If the Evaluation Panel concludes there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of the Complainant or any other member of the UVA community
  • If the alleged act of Prohibited Conduct constitutes a felony violation of the Code of Virginia

Otherwise, the Title IX Office will reach out to the Complainant and ask whether they would like to be connected with law enforcement in order to honor their wishes.

The Women's Center

  • The Women's Center is dedicated to nurturing a well environment that supports and cares for the UVA community. Their anti-racist and feminist work for social justice is built on the pillars of diversity & inclusion, equity & equality, and compassion & solidarity. Fostering the safety, dignity, and respect of women and girls is central to the mission of the Women's Center, and their Men's Leadership Project combines one-on-one mentoring with group activities that improve the confidence, decision making skills, and relationships of local middle school boys. Their counseling staff provides confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge, as well as referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area.
Community

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

  • The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) serves anyone who has experienced or who cares for someone who has experienced sexual violence. SARA offers a 24/7 hotline to answer your questions and support you. When you call, they will answer your questions courteously and respectfully, listen and not blame you, provide information about your options and rights, and respect your feelings. Specifically, SARA's confidential advocate is available to students on-Grounds — simply call the hotline and ask them to connect you with the confidential advocate assigned to UVA.

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

  • The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) offers a combination of residential, community-based, and outreach services to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. SHE provides case management and counseling, crisis intervention, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, as well as programs for children and adolescents. For immediate assistance, you can call their 24/7 hotline.

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance

  • The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance believes that all people have the right to live a life free of sexual and domestic violence. As a diverse group of individuals and organizations, they continually use their collective voice to create a Virginia free of sexual and domestic violence and inspire others to join in support of equality, respect, and shared power. Their Crisis Response Team is available via chat, phone call, or text 24/7 to listen and connect you with the resources closest to you. 
National/International

A Guide for Male Survivors of Domestic Violence

The Canadian Centre for Male Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CC4MS)

  • The Canadian Centre for Male Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CC4MS) offers information about local Canadian support services for male survivors as well as treatment information.

The Family Place

  • The Family Place empowers survivors of family violence to lead lives free from abuse. Their comprehensive services, including their 24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter, are free of charge and offered in English and Spanish. In addition to being one of the first domestic violence shelters for men in the U.S., they continue to provide services for men.

MaleSurvivor

  • MaleSurvivor is committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism. They offer in-person and online peer support groups and have compiled a comprehensive directory of therapists who work with male sexual abuse survivors. 

ManKind UK

Mayo Clinic Staff's Domestic Violence Safety Planning Guide for Male Survivors

Men's Advice Line UK

SurvivorsUK

  • SurvivorsUK is for men in the UK who have experienced sexual violence. All of their resources are arranged by age of survivor, and they offer referrals to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), which are legal advocates who help male survivors navigate the civil and criminal justice systems. Their National Online Helpline is here for any man, boy, or non-binary person who has experienced unwanted sexual activity through words, image, or touch.

1in6

  • The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. Some of their resources include free and confidential weekly online support groups, information on topics related to male sexual abuse and assault, trauma-informed trainings and webinars for service providers and organizations, and male survivor stories. You can speak with a trained advocate 24/7 through their national helpline as well. 

You can access the printable brochure for male survivors here.

BIPOC Survivors

University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary student mental health clinic on-Grounds. CAPS is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. They can help you with concerns related to personal matters, relationships, development, substance use, academic performance, and trauma. Specifically, check out the CAPS Black Students Support Circle here.

Interfaith Student Center (IFSC)

  • The Interfaith Student Center (IFSC) strives to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe space where students of diverse backgrounds and beliefs can practice their faith and mindfulness, while learning about those of others. It aims to foster interfaith dialogue, education, and relationships in addition to recognizing the many vibrant religious communities on-Grounds.

Multicultural Student Center (MSC)

  • Located on the second floor of Newcomb Hall, the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) aims to facilitate a student-centered, collaborative space that supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, while cultivating the holistic empowerment of all students. The MSC's programs aim to build understanding through dialogue, enhance personal development, and equip students to become citizen leaders.

Office of African-American Affairs (OAAA)

  • The Office of African-American Affairs (OAAA) is responsible for assisting academic and non-academic units in meeting the challenges of service delivery to African-American students. It assumes responsibility for creating a supportive environment that promotes African-American students' full participation in the University's extracurricular life and enhancing the sensitivity of the larger community to the needs, interests, and culture of African-American students.

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

  • The Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST) is committed to creating the safest possible living and learning environment. SS&ST has developed intervention and prevention resources in direct response to real-life situations observed and reported by students. They are available 24/7 to help you through any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe.

Title IX Office

  • The Title IX Office is dedicated to ensuring gender equity at UVA, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of sex discrimination — including gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination — and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. They offer both formal and informal options for addressing such incidents.

*NOTE: Please know under the Virginia Reporting Statute, UVA is required to report information about certain allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities who would be responsible, respectively, for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. UVA must report in the following situations:

  • If the Evaluation Panel concludes there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of the Complainant or any other member of the UVA community
  • If the alleged act of Prohibited Conduct constitutes a felony violation of the Code of Virginia

Otherwise, the Title IX Office will reach out to the Complainant and ask whether they would like to be connected with law enforcement in order to honor their wishes.

The Women's Center

  • The Women's Center is dedicated to nurturing a well environment that supports and cares for the UVA community. Their anti-racist and feminist work for social justice is built on the pillars of diversity & inclusion, equity & equality, and compassion & solidarity. Fostering the safety, dignity, and respect of women and girls is central to the mission of the Women's Center. Their counseling staff provides confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge, as well as referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area.
Community

Central Virginia Clinicians of Color Network (CVCCN)

  • The Central Virginia Clinicians of Color Network (CVCCN) aims to create a supportive network that empowers clinicians of color and builds capacity for providing culturally responsive mental health treatment. They provide local, statewide, and national culturally-responsive support, mental health support, and health/medical care resources, among others.

Legal Aid Justice Center

  • The Legal Aid Justice Center partners with communities and clients to fight for racial, social, and economic justice by dismantling systems that create and perpetuate poverty. Direct representation is part of their strategy to fight systems of injustice and oppression. Their work is focused around civil rights and racial justice, economic justice, immigrant advocacy, and youth justice.

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

  • The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) serves anyone who has experienced or who cares for someone who has experienced sexual violence. SARA offers a 24/7 hotline to answer your questions and support you. When you call, they will answer your questions courteously and respectfully, listen and not blame you, provide information about your options and rights, and respect your feelings. Specifically, SARA's confidential advocate is available to students on-Grounds — simply call the hotline and ask them to connect you with the confidential advocate assigned to UVA.

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

  • The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) offers a combination of residential, community-based, and outreach services to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. SHE provides case management and counseling, crisis intervention, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, as well as programs for children and adolescents. For immediate assistance, you can call their 24/7 hotline.

Sister Circle

  • Sister Circle aims to meet the unique needs of people from across the African diaspora who identify as women. They provide culturally responsive mental health counseling and treatment through a trauma-focused lens and offer social support that creates a safe and encouraging space for women to engage in collective healing.
National

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

  • The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) aims to remove barriers that Black people experience accessing or connecting with emotional health care and healing through education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts. BEAM's community programs include Black Healing Remixed, which centers Black folks' unique healing practices and approaches, and Black Masculinity Reimagined, which trains and supports Black men and masculine folks in addressing mental health and community violence, among others.

Hurdle Health

  • Hurdle Health is the leading culturally intentional mental healthcare provider. With cultural humility, they create a safe space where all people can show up as they are and feel understood. Their therapists are trained to provide culturally responsive evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds, with a specific focus on people of color. Once you register for therapy on their website, they can pair you with a therapist. Then, you can schedule appointments and join sessions in your member portal.

Inclusive Therapists

  • Inclusive Therapists aims to make the vulnerable process of seeking counseling or therapy safer and simpler for those with marginalized identities. They can help you find a therapist nearby or match you with a therapist who meets your needs. Additionally, they launched a BIPOC Therapy Fund to support mental health liberation and update a running directory of mental health communities and resources.

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC)

  • The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) provides national leadership to end violence against Native American, Alaska Native, and Hawaiian Native women. They lift up the collective voices of grassroots advocates and offer culturally grounded resources, technical assistance and training, and policy development to strengthen tribal sovereignty.

National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault (SCESA)

  • The National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault (SCESA) is an advocacy organization led by women of color dedicated to working in their communities to create a just society in which all women of color live healthy lives free of violence. They provide policy advocacy resources, technical assistance, and training to support and enhance the leadership of women of color.

StrongHearts Native Helpline

  • StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. They offer culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. Survivors, family, friends, and partners questioning their own behavior can connect with StrongHearts advocates who provide assistance with safety planning, crisis intervention, referrals to Native-centered domestic violence and sexual violence providers, and more.

Women of Color Network (WOCN)

  • The Women of Color Network (WOCN) works to eliminate violence against all women and their communities by centralizing the voices and promoting the leadership of women of color. They offer advocacy resources, trainings, and technical assistance to help advance and grow anti-violence leadership and work generally.

You can access the printable brochure for BIPOC survivors here.

Latina/Latino or Hispanic Survivors

University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary student mental health clinic on-Grounds. CAPS is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. They can help you with concerns related to personal matters, relationships, development, substance use, academic performance, and trauma.

Latinx Student Center

  • The Latinx Student Center aims to provide an inclusive environment that supports the intersectional experiences, diverse cultures, and educational goals of Latinx students at UVA. It works to equip students with resources to develop academically, socially, and personally, increase a sense of community and belonging, and raise awareness about social justice issues impacting the breadth of Latinx or Hispanic cultures and identities.

Multicultural Student Center (MSC)

  • Located on the second floor of Newcomb Hall, the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) aims to facilitate a student-centered, collaborative space that supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, while cultivating the holistic empowerment of all students. The MSC's programs aim to build understanding through dialogue, enhance personal development, and equip students to become citizen leaders.

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

  • The Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST) is committed to creating the safest possible living and learning environment. SS&ST has developed intervention and prevention resources in direct response to real-life situations observed and reported by students. They are available 24/7 to help you through any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe.

Title IX Office

  • The Title IX Office is dedicated to ensuring gender equity at UVA, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of sex discrimination — including gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination — and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. They offer both formal and informal options for addressing such incidents.

*NOTE: Please know under the Virginia Reporting Statute, UVA is required to report information about certain allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities who would be responsible, respectively, for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. UVA must report in the following situations:

  • If the Evaluation Panel concludes there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of the Complainant or any other member of the UVA community
  • If the alleged act of Prohibited Conduct constitutes a felony violation of the Code of Virginia

Otherwise, the Title IX Office will reach out to the Complainant and ask whether they would like to be connected with law enforcement in order to honor their wishes.

The Women's Center

  • The Women's Center is dedicated to nurturing a well environment that supports and cares for the UVA community. Their anti-racist and feminist work for social justice is built on the pillars of diversity & inclusion, equity & equality, and compassion & solidarity. Fostering the safety, dignity, and respect of women and girls is central to the mission of the Women's Center. Their counseling staff provides confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge, as well as referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area.
Community

Bienestar

  • The Bienestar Program seeks to create a safe space for Latina women to find solutions to their problems by honoring their own truth. They offer a space of understanding and cultural humility, operating under the notion that their clients come from different countries, each with their own roots, customs, and traditions, and that every person has a different way of facing life's challenges. Overall, Bienestar focuses on counseling and psychoeducational services for Latina women and their communities in the Albemarle/Charlottesville region through education, group offerings, a free call-in clinic in Spanish, and tabling.

La Cultura Cura

  • La Cultura Cura is a collaborative group offering between Creciendo Juntos and The Women's Initiative. It is an intergenerational social support group that centers Latina women and Latina femmes 15 and older in connecting, healing, and learning together. The group's goal is to create a space that cultivates healing and joy through the power of cultural celebration, sisterhood, social solidarity, and self actualization. Through their monthly activities, participants will contribute to the integration, improvement, and wellbeing of the Latinx community in Virginia.

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

  • The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) serves anyone who has experienced or who cares for someone who has experienced sexual violence. SARA offers a 24/7 hotline to answer your questions and support you. When you call, they will answer your questions courteously and respectfully, listen and not blame you, provide information about your options and rights, and respect your feelings. Specifically, SARA's confidential advocate is available to students on-Grounds — simply call the hotline and ask them to connect you with the confidential advocate assigned to UVA.

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

  • The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) offers a combination of residential, community-based, and outreach services to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. SHE provides case management and counseling, crisis intervention, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, as well as programs for children and adolescents. For immediate assistance, you can call their 24/7 hotline.

Sin Barreras

  • Sin Barreras educates, supports, and serves the immigrant community, focusing on the Hispanic population of Charlottesville and surrounding areas. They provide direct services to clients, run workshops to provide education and resources for both the Spanish and English speaking communities, and participate in advocacy initiatives that affect their clients.
National

Esperanza United

  • Esperanza United works with the entire Latina/Latino community to prevent gender-based violence, using a whole-family approach. By working with youth, men, women, and gender non-conforming folks, they strive to build a culture of healthy relationships that honors Latina/Latino realities. They run a 24/7 confidential bilingual crisis line from Minnesota as well for help and support in situations of domestic violence.

Therapy for Latinx

  • Therapy for Latinx aims to address the stigma surrounding mental health in the Latinx community, especially when going to therapy with someone who does not understand Latinx culture leaves you feeling worse than when you started. Think of this website as Yelp for therapists who look and talk like you do. You can search in the search bar for a therapist by name, speciality, your insurance, and then enter your location. Once on the search page, you can even filter down by things like gender, payment type, identity, and more.

You can access the printable brochure for Latina/Latino or Hispanic survivors here.

Asian-American Survivors

University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary student mental health clinic on-Grounds. CAPS is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. They can help you with concerns related to personal matters, relationships, development, substance use, academic performance, and trauma.

Multicultural Student Center (MSC)

  • Located on the second floor of Newcomb Hall, the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) aims to facilitate a student-centered, collaborative space that supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, while cultivating the holistic empowerment of all students. The MSC's programs aim to build understanding through dialogue, enhance personal development, and equip students to become citizen leaders.

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

  • The Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST) is committed to creating the safest possible living and learning environment. SS&ST has developed intervention and prevention resources in direct response to real-life situations observed and reported by students. They are available 24/7 to help you through any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe.

Title IX Office

  • The Title IX Office is dedicated to ensuring gender equity at UVA, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of sex discrimination — including gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination — and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. They offer both formal and informal options for addressing such incidents.

*NOTE: Please know under the Virginia Reporting Statute, UVA is required to report information about certain allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities who would be responsible, respectively, for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. UVA must report in the following situations:

  • If the Evaluation Panel concludes there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of the Complainant or any other member of the UVA community
  • If the alleged act of Prohibited Conduct constitutes a felony violation of the Code of Virginia

Otherwise, the Title IX Office will reach out to the Complainant and ask whether they would like to be connected with law enforcement in order to honor their wishes.

The Women's Center

  • The Women's Center is dedicated to nurturing a well environment that supports and cares for the UVA community. Their anti-racist and feminist work for social justice is built on the pillars of diversity & inclusion, equity & equality, and compassion & solidarity. Fostering the safety, dignity, and respect of women and girls is central to the mission of the Women's Center. Their counseling staff provides confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge, as well as referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area.
Community

Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP)

  • The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) works to address, prevent, and end domestic violence and sexual assault in Asian/Pacific Islander communities while empowering survivors to rebuild their lives after abuse. DVRP's programs and structure is survivor-created and survivor-driven. They provide free and confidential services, including case management and a helpline, in over 20 Asian/Pacific Islander languages to communities in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

  • The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) serves anyone who has experienced or who cares for someone who has experienced sexual violence. SARA offers a 24/7 hotline to answer your questions and support you. When you call, they will answer your questions courteously and respectfully, listen and not blame you, provide information about your options and rights, and respect your feelings. Specifically, SARA's confidential advocate is available to students on-Grounds — simply call the hotline and ask them to connect you with the confidential advocate assigned to UVA.

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

  • The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) offers a combination of residential, community-based, and outreach services to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. SHE provides case management and counseling, crisis intervention, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, as well as programs for children and adolescents. For immediate assistance, you can call their 24/7 hotline.
National

National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV)

  • The National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV) was created by API anti-sexual assault advocates to center the experiences of victims/survivors of sexual assault from the Asian and Pacific Islander communities specifically. Curricula, a directory of Asian and Pacific Islander anti-sexual assault organizations, and recommended readings are just a few of their resources.

Project Lotus

  • Project Lotus destigmatizes mental health in Asian-American communities by tackling the model minority stereotype through culturally-relevant education for the community that empowers voices. Through educating and empowering today's Asian-American communities, Project Lotus advances the movement of Asian Americans blossoming and addressing mental health stigma, shame, and overall perception and care of mental health. They aim to allow Asian Americans to discuss, care for, and advocate for mental health freely, without shame or stigma.

South Asian Therapists

  • South Asian Therapists is the largest South Asian mental health therapist and counseling community in the world. Their directory has hundreds of South Asian therapists, including those of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Afghani, and Nepali heritage. On their website, you can find culturally competent South Asian mental health professionals to help you get the support you need.

You can access the printable brochure for Asian-American survivors here.

 

Identity-Based Resources Flowchart

The chart below provides University, community, and national resources for students based on their personal identity, whether they be LGBTQ+ survivors, survivors with a disability, non-U.S. citizen survivors, male survivors, BIPOC survivors, Latina/Latino or Hispanic survivors, or Asian-American survivors. You can access a printable version of the flowchart here.

This chart provides University, community, and national resources for students based on their personal identity, whether they be LGBTQ+ survivors, survivors with a disability, non-U.S. citizen survivors, male survivors, BIPOC survivors, Latina/Latino or Hispanic survivors, or Asian-American survivors.