On-Campus Resources
Counseling Center
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides survivors with a safe, confidential space to process their trauma. Some survivors choose to discuss how their usual functioning has been affected, how others have responded, or how to regain a sense of safety. Therapy is always collaborative, and survivors will work with their therapist to identify goals and priorities for therapy.
Group Therapy
Every fall and spring semester, the Counseling Center offers the Women's Empowerment Group, a confidential support group for female-identified survivors of unwanted sexual experiences (e.g. childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual violence from an intimate partner). Group members are not required to disclose the details of their trauma, and group discussion topics are collaboratively decided by the group members. Common themes have included identity, relationships, coping skills, and utilizing strengths to feel empowered.
Emergency Walk-In Services
For situations in which a student is highly distressed and in crisis, the Counseling Center offers same-day walk-in appointments. During these appointments, students can discuss their emergency situation and consult with a therapist about how to best proceed. Some students feel better after just one such meeting, and other students may decide with their counselor that they would be best served by pursuing ongoing services (i.e. individual or group therapy).
Consultation
Counseling Center clinicians are available to consult with students, parents, faculty, and staff members about matters related to sexual assault. This often means providing an understanding of appropriate services, explaining how to support a survivor, and explaining relevant aspects of Title IX.
Dean of Students
The Sexual Assault and Violence Education program through the Office of the Dean of Students provides support for students who have been affected by sexual violence. This office can provide students with resources, support, and education. With support from the Dean of Students, those who have experienced sexual violence may receive appropriate accommodations, such as changing room assignments, class schedules, or coordinating no-contact orders.
Please note that employees in the Office of the Dean of Students are considered "Responsible Employees" and are required to report to the Title IX Coordinator if you share details of the incident. However, every effort will be made to maintain privacy.
Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted when an act of sexual violence occurs and can also contact the DC Metropolitan Police Department or other local law enforcement as necessary.
Title IX Coordinator
Reports of sexual violence can be made directly to the Title IX Coordinator. The role of a Title IX Coordinator is to ensure compliance with Title IX and to investigate complaints of harassment, discrimination, and other sex-based complaints from students, staff, and faculty. The Deputy Coordinator, Kim Gregory, is responsible for investigating complaints of sexual violence.
Please note that if a student reports an incident of sexual violence, they are not required to file a complaint or participate in an investigation.
Campus Ministry
When acting in their professional role, Campus Ministry staff are able to provide a confidential space wherein survivors of sexual violence and those affected by sexual violence can receive spiritual support.
Student Health Services
Professional staff at Student Health Services offer a confidential space wherein those affected by sexual violence can meet with a medical professional. Please note that SHS does not perform forensic examinations, and students who wish to receive medical attention following a sexual assault are recommended to proceed directly to Washington Hospital Center to meet with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who is specially trained to do so.
Wellness at CUA
This online resource has information about a variety of wellness topics, such as relationships, physical health, and emotional health. Their section on personal violence has information about relationships, consent, and violence.