Figuring out what kind of resource is right for you can be difficult. Beyond knowing how each resource is defined, which can be learned in the definitions section, it is important to understand which resource could be most beneficial in your unique situation.
Below, we have outlined how each kind of resource can be used and who it may be best for.
University Resources
- Extremely accessible to those within the University Community.
- Both the Student Health Center as well as the UVA Hospital are able to perform sexual assault forensic exams ("rape kits") on Grounds at no cost, more information here.
Community Resources
- Allow individuals to have options for resources outside of those provided by the University
- Important to those who may feel threatened or at risk within the University Community, but who still want to seek assistance and support.
Confidential Resources
- Valuable for individuals who do not want their report to be shared with others
- Beneficial for those seeking medical care of any sort, as they allow that individual to receive care without fear of their circumstances being known by others.
Private Resources
- Gives the individual making the report the option to speak to someone close to them, such as a professor or resident advisor (RA).
- Able to provide further assistance and support through the process of filing a complaint and going through an investigation.
- Note: your privacy is still guarded by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) when using a Private resource. The information shared with Private resources will only be available to those who “need to know,” which will include the Title IX Office. All individuals within this “need to know” circle receive special training and guidance on keeping information private.
Anonymous Resources
- Valuable for those afraid of being known as the person making the report.
- There is some overlap between Anonymous resources and either confidential or private resources.
- Defining difference is whether or not the reporting individual gives any information to the resource that could identify them. Providing this information is not required by anonymous resources.
- Note: reporting anonymously can severely limit what is able to be accomplished, as investigations need sufficient information to proceed. However, the report can still be put into the database for a later date. If reporting anonymously, please provide as much information as possible, including the date, time, location, and a detailed description of the incident.