Support for Students

The University of Virginia offers numerous resources to students, whether they are Complainants, Respondents, witnesses, or any other University student in need of information, assistance, and/or support.

In addition to the resources for students included below, resources and support based on students' personal identities are outlined in the CavCare section with personal identity resources.

Immediate Assistance

Confidential

Medical Resources

These resources provide sexual assault forensic exams at no cost, emergency contraception, STI screening and treatment, and/or information and referrals for follow-up care. Student Health and Wellness includes a Gynecology/Women's Health department as well as General Medicine and counseling services. Please note: the UVA Medical Center and Student Health and Wellness are the only places in Charlottesville where students can receive a sexual assault forensic exam by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE nurse).

University’s Emergency Department

 

UVA Department of Student Health and Wellness

If someone believes they were drugged, but were not assaulted and/or do not want or need medical attention, local pharmacies carry over-the-counter drug tests for $15-30. The SARA hotline found on our 24-hour hotlines resource page will provide this information and follow-up services.

 

University Crisis Resources

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS is the primary student mental health clinic on Grounds, committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. In addition to direct care through group and/or individual therapy and psychiatric services, CAPS also provides consultation and referral services. They can be contacted for emergencies or ongoing concerns about yourself or another student.

 

TimelyCare

TimelyCare is an app that allows all students who pay the comprehensive health fee with their tuition have free, 24-hour access to virtual mental health services. These include virtual counseling visits, TalkNow (which allows students to connect with a mental health professional within minutes, any time of day, by either phone or video), and psychiatric care.

 

Madison House HELP Line

The HELP Line is a hotline serving UVA students and Charlottesville community members, supervised by Madison House. ​When you call the HELP Line, you will be connected to a trained UVA student who will listen to you without judgment. However, they are not professionals and might refer you to long-term services that are not anonymous and/or confidential.​ Since they are run by UVA students, the HELP Line is only operational during the academic year.

 

Community Crisis Resources

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

SARA is a non-profit agency working to eliminate sexual violence and its impacts through education, advocacy, and support services. SARA serves individuals and communities in the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. The organization works with child and adult survivors of all genders, as well as non-offending friends and family of survivors of any kind of sexual violence and provides free, confidential support services to all survivors, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

 

Family Violence and Sexual Assault Virginia Hotline

This hotline will connect victims and those impacted by violence, such as family, friends, professionals, and the general public, with trained advocates. Their Crisis Response Team, which includes multicultural and multilingual staff and volunteers, will listen to you, offer support, and connect you to resources in your area. The choice of what and how much you share with them is up to you.

 

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

SHE works to support and empower victims of domestic violence through a combination of residential, community-based and outreach services. They offer a safe, confidential residency facility as well as various services through their Community Outreach Center. All clients, regardless of if they are residential or outreach, are offered a comprehensive range of trauma-informed services including crisis intervention, case management and counseling, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, programs for children and adolescents, and outreach to the Spanish-speaking community.

 

National Crisis Resources

Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN)/ National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN is the largest national anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline by phone and online, which is a 24-hour resource. They can also refer you to a local rape crisis center.​

Private

Law Enforcement

The police are best equipped to respond to any immediate threats to your safety. Call 911 to reach your local law enforcement, which may be the Albemarle County Police, City of Charlottesville Police, or University Police Department (UPD) depending on your location.​

Police Emergency

University Police Department

City of Charlottesville Police

Albemarle County Police

Hours: all are available 24 hours every day

 

Resident Advisors (RAs)

RAs are trained to assist their residents and other students in finding resources and providing both a listening ear and advice for various scenarios; they are Responsible Employees and are required to report when they hear of Prohibited Conduct. The reporting requirement is because no one should deal with this in silence or alone, and everyone deserves to be helped in the way that is best for them.

Ongoing Assistance

Confidential

University Resources

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS is the primary student mental health clinic on Grounds, committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for all students seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. In addition to direct care through group and/or individual therapy and psychiatric services, CAPS also provides consultation and referral services. They can be contacted for emergencies or ongoing concerns about yourself or another student.

 

Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN)/ National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN is the largest national anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline by phone and online, which is a 24-hour resource, and can be used regardless of whether you are not you are currently in crisis. They offer confidential listeners who can provide you with resources and assistance. They can also refer you to a local rape crisis center.​

 

National Resources

Family Violence and Sexual Assault Virginia Hotline

This hotline will connect victims and those impacted by violence, such as family, friends, professionals, and the general public, with trained advocates. Their Crisis Response Team, which includes multicultural and multilingual staff and volunteers, will listen to you, offer support, and connect you to resources in your area. The choice of what and how much you share with them is up to you.

 

Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE)

The Shelter for Help in Emergency works to support and empower victims of domestic violence through a combination of residential, community-based and outreach services. They offer a safe, confidential residency facility as well as various services through their Community Outreach Center. All clients, regardless of if they are residential or outreach, are offered a comprehensive range of trauma-informed services including crisis intervention, case management and counseling, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, programs for children and adolescents, and outreach to the Spanish-speaking community.

 

Community Resources

Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)

SARA is a non-profit agency working to eliminate sexual violence and its impacts through education, advocacy, and support services. SARA serves individuals and communities in the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. The organization works with child and adult survivors of all genders, as well as nonoffending friends and family of survivors of any kind of sexual violence and provides free, confidential support services to all survivors, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

 

University Ombuds

University Ombuds is an advocate for fairness. They are an independent, Confidential resource available to assist faculty, staff, and students in resolving problems, complaints, conflicts, and other issues when normal processes and procedures have not worked satisfactorily.

 

Madison House HELP Line

The HELP Line is a hotline serving UVA students and Charlottesville community members, supervised by Madison House. ​When you call the HELP Line, you will be connected to a trained UVA student who will listen to you without judgment. However, they are not professionals and might refer you to long-term services that are not anonymous and/or confidential.​ Since they are run by UVA students, the HELP Line is only operational during the academic year.

 

Sheila C. Johnson Center for Human Services

The Sheila C. Johnson Center at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development is a multidisciplinary clinic that provides personalized assessment and intervention services, with services including psychological diagnostic and educational assessments, and evidence-based psychology treatment via telehealth. Appointments are scheduled on an individual basis only, and there are no walk-in or emergency services available.

 

Mary D. Ainsworth Psychological Clinic

This Clinic is a facility sponsored by the Department of Psychology's Clinical Training Program and staffed by clinical faculty members and supervised graduate student therapists. The Clinic provides confidential psychological services at no charge. Services offered include things such as interpersonal and relationship difficulties, personal adjustment problems, and anxiety, depression, or other emotional concerns. Both short-term and long-term psychotherapy are available from a variety of orientations, and more specialized psychological interventions may be offered as well.

 

TimelyCare

TimelyCare is an app that allows all students who pay the comprehensive health fee with their tuition to have free, 24-hour access to virtual mental health services. These include virtual counseling visits, TalkNow (which allows students to connect with a mental health professional within minutes, any time of day, by either phone or video), and psychiatric care.

 

UVA Peer Health Educators (PHE)

Peer Health Educators are students trained to educate their classmates about college health and wellness issues in a positive, interactive, fun, and nonjudgmental manner. All of PHE receives comprehensive training which prepares them to provide confidential patient education sessions, facilitate dynamic outreach programs, encourage physical, mental, and spiritual health, create informative awareness events, and promote community support for a healthy culture. ​

  • Peer Health Educators website

  • Address: 550 Brandon Ave, Charlottesville

  • Academic year hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

  • Summer hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm

 

UVA Teen and Young Adult Health Center

The Teen and Young Adult Health Center is a primary care center for teenagers and young adults up to age 25. Their team is specially trained to work with adolescents and help young adults with the unique challenges they face. Services offered include routine checkups, mental health assessments, STI testing, pregnancy testing and counseling, as well as a variety of other options.

 

The McCue Center: Sports Medicine and Sports Psychology Clinical Staff

The McCue Center's Sports Medicine and Sports Psychology Clinical Staff are uniquely trained to assist Student-Athletes. These psychologists specialize in providing mental health and well-being treatment, life and sport performance enhancement, concussion education/management, and psychoeducation of athletes, teams, and coaches.

 

The Women’s Center: Counseling Staff

The Women's Center supports UVA students’ psychological health, well-being, and trauma recovery. Counseling services are available to students 18 years or older either in-person or through a secure telehealth program. They provide confidential group and individual counseling to students free of charge. Since The Women’s Center usually has a waitlist for new clients seeking individual counseling, they provide referrals to therapists in the Charlottesville area and guidance on how to seek a therapist near you as well.​

  • The Women's Center website

  • Address: 1400 University Ave, Charlottesville

  • Daytime/counseling inquiry phone: (434) 982-2252

  • Women’s Center main office phone: (434) 982-2361

  • Academic year hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9am - 5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday: 9am - 8pm

  • Summer hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm (building is closed Mondays with services provided remotely)

 

Student Health: Psychologists in the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC)

SDAC is the University's designated access agency for students with disabilities. Their primary role is to determine eligibility and to provide reasonable academic accommodations for students with disabilities. SDAC provides services to two groups of students: those who have been previously diagnosed with a disability; and those who have never been diagnosed, but find themselves struggling academically and are seeking advice and support on their difficulties.

 

Student Health Medical Services

The medical services offered at Student Health and Wellness (SHW) allow you to be given options and choose the sort of care best for you.

 

Student Health: Women’s Health and Gynecology

This department is available to you whether you are interested in birth control, scheduling a yearly exam, or discussing pregnancy concerns or planning. Their team of physicians, nurse practitioners and nursing staff has the expertise to provide comprehensive preventive services as well as problem visits to all identities with the female reproductive system. If you have an urgent health concern, please call their phone number and ask to speak to a triage nurse.

Private

Legal

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS)

CVLAS is a non-profit law firm which provides free legal assistance to low income people in civil cases and preventive legal education in the Central Virginia communities. Their focus is advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and they are available and ready to assist you in any way you see fit. Please find on their website the requirements for their clients as well as the sorts of legal services they offer.

 

Legal Aid Justice Center

The Legal Aid Justice Center focuses on dismantling systems that create and perpetuate poverty. They will ensure that courts are being fair to everyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, ability, or any other factor that may lead to unfair discrimination.

 

Virginia Legal Aid

Virginia Legal Aid is a service that can offer you educational material on topics such as Domestic and Sexual Violence or a range of other subjects, as well as connecting you to local providers of services including legal aid attorneys, pro bono attorneys, and advocates.

 

Student Legal Services (SLS)

SLS provides low-cost, confidential legal assistance to University of Virginia students. They provide legal help on a wide variety of legal matters, including representation in Charlottesville/Albemarle area courts. No fee is charged for consultations, all fees are minimal, and all University of Virginia students who have paid the student activity fee, or partial fee University of Virginia students in degree granting programs who have not paid the student activity fee but who pay a $10 initial consultation fee, are eligible for legal services.

 

University Supportive Measures

Title IX Office

The Title IX Office is available to assist in providing Supportive Measures, which may include but are not limited to academic accommodations, assistance in reporting if you choose, and help with rearranging other things if necessary (such as housing or class schedule). The Title IX Office is always available for you; they are specially trained and can not only give you direct advice and aid but also point you in the direction of further resources. They are here to help, and will allow you to choose whatever form of help is best for your specific needs.

 

Student Safety & Support Team (SS&ST)

SS&ST is available to assist in providing Supportive Measures, which may include but are not limited to academic accommodations, assistance in reporting if you choose, and help with rearranging other things if necessary (such as housing or class schedule). The SS&ST is always available for you; they are specially trained and can not only give you direct advice and aid but also point you in the direction of further resources. They are here to help, and will allow you to choose whatever form of help is best for your specific needs.​​​​​​

  • Address: Peabody Hall, Second Floor

  • Business hours phone: (434) 924-7133

  • After hours phone: (434) 924-7166 (ask for “Dean on Call”)

  • Email: odos@virginia.edu

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; Dean on Call available 24 hours every day

 

Resident Advisors (RAs)

RAs are trained to assist their residents and other students in finding resources and providing both a listening ear and advice for various scenarios; they are Responsible Employees and are required to report when they hear of Prohibited Conduct. The reporting requirement is because no one should deal with this in silence or alone, and everyone deserves to be helped in the way that is best for them.

Reporting

Just Report It

Just Report it is the University's online reporting system. It is NOT anonymous, and if you use this resource your name will be attached to the report.

 

Student Safety and Support Team (SS&ST)

SS&ST is able to assist you in making a report to UVA and/or to law enforcement. The Team will offer support and safety options, options for reporting to the University and/or law enforcement, and also give the option of not pursuing an investigation. All decisions are made by you, and you may take as long as you would like in making these decisions. Support is available to you regardless of whether or not you choose to pursue an investigation.

  • Address: Peabody Hall, Second Floor

  • Business hours phone: (434) 924-7133

  • After hours phone: (434) 924-7166 (ask for “Dean on Call”)

  • Email: odos@virginia.edu

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; Dean on Call available 24 hours every day

 

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Director of Investigations

Upon receiving a report, the Title IX Office will offer support and safety options, options for reporting to the University and/or law enforcement, and also give the option of not pursuing an investigation. All decisions are made by you, and you may take as long as you would like in making these decisions. Support is available to you regardless of whether or not you choose to pursue an investigation. When reporting to Title IX, your identity will only be known to the other party with a Formal Complaint. If you are worried about your identity being known, you can still make a report without it being a Formal Complaint, and you will be able to report your concern without fear. Remember: report equals support.

 

Law Enforcement (University Police Department (UPD), Albemarle County Police, City of Charlottesville Police)

Depending on where the incident occurs, the Albemarle County Police or City of Charlottesville Police investigates all reports of sexual violence in Charlottesville, including on-Grounds at UVA. If the case did not happen in Charlottesville, ODOS or UPD can connect you with the local police where the incident occurred and work with you to help file a report to the appropriate law enforcement unit.

  • University Police Department

  • City of Charlottesville Police

  • Albemarle County Police

  • Hours: all are available 24 hours every day

  • Ben Rexrode

    • Ben Rexrode is the Crime Prevention/Community Policing Sergeant and Victim/Witness Assistance Program Sergeant at UPD. If you choose to report your assault to the Albemarle County Police or City of Charlottesville Police, he can assist you in filing a report. He also has a therapy dog to help reduce the anxiety and stress of making a report and navigating the criminal justice system.​

    • Phone: (434) 924-7166

    • Email: br7u@virginia.edu

Anonymous Resources

PDF Report Form

This form is available to be filled out and anonymously transmitted to the Title IX Office, Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR) Office, or the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) either via email, paper mail, or in-person drop-off.

 

Madison House HELP Line

The HELP Line is a hotline serving UVA students and Charlottesville community members, supervised by Madison House. ​When you call the HELP Line, you will be connected to a trained UVA student who will listen to you without judgment. However, they are not professionals and might refer you to long-term services that are not anonymous and/or confidential.​ Since they are run by UVA students, the HELP Line is only operational during the academic year.

 

Title IX Office

The Title IX Office is available to provide support regardless of whether or not you identify yourself. They may direct you to alternate resources both on and off-Grounds for further support and assistance and/or help you in pursuing an investigation if you choose. Remember, remaining anonymous can limit what is able to be accomplished.

 

Student Safety and Support team (SS&ST)

SS&ST is available to provide support regardless of whether or not you identify yourself. They may direct you to alternate resources both on and off-Grounds for further support and assistance and/or help you in pursuing an investigation if you choose. Remember, remaining anonymous can limit what is able to be accomplished.

  • Address: Peabody Hall, Second Floor

  • Email: odos@virginia.edu

  • Business hours phone: (434) 924-7133

  • After hours phone: (434) 924-7166 (ask for “Dean on Call”)

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; Dean on Call available 24 hours every day

  • Note: in order to remain Anonymous, you must call the "After hours phone;" your number will not be tracked or seen by the Dean on Call.

Virginia Crime Victim & Witness Rights, and the Violence Against Women Act

It is important to be aware of the rights guaranteed for victims and witnesses under Virginia law.

VA Crime Victim and Witness Rights PDF

Victims should be aware of following various procedures, including the preservation of evidence and reporting to appropriate authorities. Victims have the option to, or not to, notify and seek assistance from law enforcement and on-Grounds authorities, and also have rights in regard to judicial no-contact, restraining, and protective orders.