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Sexual & Relational Violence Prevention

Creating a Culture of Care & Accountability

At William & Mary, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus community. Our Sexual and Relational Violence Prevention efforts focus on education, empowerment, and engagement to prevent all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and harassment.

Through evidence-based programs, outreach, and campus-wide awareness campaigns, we provide students, faculty, and staff with the tools to build healthy relationships, understand consent, intervene as active bystanders, and support survivors. Signature initiatives include workshops, tabling, awareness months, and campaigns.

Our goal is to create a culture of care and accountability, where every member of the William & Mary community is empowered to contribute to a safer, more compassionate environment.

To learn more about our prevention programs, workshops, or how to get involved, please contact [[clfox, Candice Fox, Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist]].

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Request Sexual Violence Prevention Training

Our educational programs deliver campus-relevant sexual violence prevention aimed at creating a safer, more compassionate community. The content and delivery of training can be tailored to meet the needs of your campus group. Please allow two weeks' advance notice for scheduling, especially for custom sessions. Workshops are free of charge. For more information, contact [[clfox, Candice Fox]]

Topics

Understanding the Basics

  • Consent 101 – What it is, what it’s not, and how to practice it
  • Understanding Title IX 
  • Recognizing Red Flags: Unhealthy and Abusive Behaviors

Health Relationships & Communication

  • Healthy Dating: Boundaries, Respect, and Communication
  • Love Bombing, Gaslighting, and Other Subtle Forms of Control

Bystander Intervention & Peer Support

  • I Can… I Will.. How to Be an Active Bystander
  • Supporting a Friend Who Discloses Assault
  • Bystander Scenarios: Practicing Real Responses
  • How to Help a Friend in an Abusive Relationship

Empowerment & Advocacy

  • Creating Consent Culture in Student Orgs
  • How to Organize Awareness Events on Campus

Campus-Wide Initiatives

  • Let’s Get Consensual
    • The Let's Get Consensual campaign is an initiative aimed at promoting a culture of consent, respect, and healthy communication in relationships and sexual encounters. Originating on university campuses, the campaign raises awareness about the importance of clear, enthusiastic, and mutual consent through education, workshops, and peer engagement. It empowers individuals to understand their rights, respect boundaries, and foster safe and inclusive environments for everyone.
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month
    • Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October to raise awareness about domestic violence, support survivors, and advocate for prevention and change. It serves as a time to educate communities, honor those affected by abuse, and promote resources that help individuals recognize and respond to signs of violence in relationships. Through events, campaigns, and outreach, DVAM encourages collective action to end domestic violence and build safer, more supportive environments for all.
  • Love Letters to Survivors
    • The Love Letters to Survivors campaign is a heartfelt initiative that encourages individuals—especially survivors of sexual and domestic violence—to write and share messages of love, affirmation, and support.
  • Red Flag Campaign
    • The Red Flag Campaign is a public awareness initiative designed to address and prevent dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on college campuses. Launched in 2005 by the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, the campaign employs a bystander intervention strategy, encouraging students and campus community members to "say something" when they observe warning signs—referred to as "red flags"—of abusive behavior in relationships.
  • Stalking Awareness Month
    • Stalking Awareness Month, observed every January, is a time dedicated to raising public awareness about stalking, its warning signs, and its impact on victims. The month aims to educate communities, promote prevention strategies, and support survivors by encouraging recognition of stalking behaviors and advocating for stronger protections and resources.
  • Love Is
    • The Love Is Campaign on college campuses is part of a national movement aimed at promoting healthy relationships and preventing dating abuse among young adults. Through events, workshops, and peer-led discussions, the campaign encourages students to explore what love is—respectful, supportive, and free from violence—while raising awareness about the signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships.
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month
    • Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed every April to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate communities on how to prevent it, and support survivors. Through events, campaigns, and educational programs, SAAM promotes consent, respect, and healthy relationships, encouraging individuals and organizations to take action against sexual assault and create safer environments for all.
  • Clothesline Project
    • The Clothesline Project is a powerful initiative that uses decorated T-shirts to give voice to survivors of gender-based violence. Each shirt—color-coded to represent different forms of abuse—is creatively designed and hung on a makeshift clothesline in a public space. The display transforms into a poignant visual of personal stories, raising awareness, fostering solidarity, and breaking the silence around sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and harassment. It invites compassion, sparks conversation, and encourages campus-wide support for survivors.
  • Denim Day
    • Denim Day is a global campaign that takes place each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness about sexual violence and challenge victim-blaming. At William & Mary, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear denim as a visible sign of solidarity with survivors and a statement against harmful myths surrounding sexual assault. The day serves as a powerful reminder that clothing is never an invitation for violence and that everyone has a role in supporting survivors and promoting consent.
  • Coordinating Committee on Prevention of Sexual Violence & Harassment

    • Email [[clfox,Candice]] to learn more about the committee! 

Peer education

  • Peer Health Educators: Peer Health Educators (PHE) at William & Mary, housed under the Office of Health Promotion, are trained student leaders dedicated to promoting well-being across campus. They provide peer-led education on topics such as mental health, sexual and relational violence prevention, substance use, and healthy relationships. Through workshops, outreach events, and one-on-one conversations, Peer Health Educators empower fellow students with knowledge, skills, and resources to make informed, healthy choices.
  • Someone You Know (SYK): Someone You Know is an independent, recognized student-led organization at William & Mary dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors. Through education, advocacy, and peer-driven events, the group fosters a culture of empathy, consent, and community accountability. Someone You Know creates space for dialogue, healing, and action, helping to break the silence and reduce stigma around issues of sexual and relational violence on campus.