Resources for Survivors of Abuse
If you are being abused or have been abused in the past, you do not have to face this alone. You may feel confused, powerless, frightened, isolated, ashamed, or as if you have lost your worth. “Remember the worth of [your soul] is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10), and you are “as precious in his sight as [any] other” (Jacob 2:21). Friends, family, Church leaders, and others can connect you to resources that will help you feel safe so that you can heal and remember your worth. You are loved, and you can find hope and healing through the Savior Jesus Christ because of His atoning sacrifice.
On Campus Resources
BYU Sexual Assault Survivor Advocacy Services
SASAS provides trauma-informed, victim-centered, empowerment-based, and confidential support for survivors of sexual assault. Assistance and resources are available to any student, faculty or staff member in the campus community regardless of where or when an incident took place. If you are unsure of where to turn for help, SASAS is a good place to start and get connected to the help you need.
https://advocates.byu.edu/resources
BYU's Title IX
The BYU Title IX Office is a safe space for all students to understand what on- and off-campus resources are available to them if they have been affected by any instance of unlawful sex discrimination, sexual harassment, domestic violence, or any kind of sexual misconduct. It facilitates the Title IX Investigative process as appropriate and provides supportive measures to students. All reports are confidential and victims or witnesses who report an incident of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Office will not be disciplined by the university for any related Honor Code violations. To meet with a Title IX staff member, you may make an appointment at titleix.byu.edu or visit the office in 1085 WSC.
BYU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
For students who have experienced abuse and are interested in receiving therapeutic support, CAPS offers individual counseling. Students can also receive online support by using Sanvello, Welltrack Boost, and SilverCloud. If a student is in crisis and unable to reach BYU Advocacy Services, the CAPS office can help. After-hours crisis: 801.422.3035
https://caps.byu.edu/get-started
BYU Women's Services and Resources
Women's Services & Resources (WSR) provides individual consultations, educational outreach, and referral services for survivors of abuse. WSR is designated as a confidential reporting area.
Confidential Reporting Area: https://wsr.byu.edu/confidential-reporting-area
SafeWalk (BYU Mobile App Feature)
SafeWalk is a feature in the BYU App that allows users to send their movements to BYU Police and quickly call Police Dispatch for emergency assistance.
https://oit.byu.edu/safewalk-byu-mobile-app-suite-feature
BYU Police
BYU Police protect our campus and can provide help when your safety is compromised.
Rape Aggression Defense Program (R.A.D.)
No survivor of abuse is responsible in any way for what has happened to them. For many women, receiving self-defense training helps them to feel safer and more prepared against potential attacks. R.A.D Systems is a comprehensive course taught by BYU Police officers for women that focuses on awareness, prevention, risk reduction, strategies and avoidance in conjunction with carefully selected defensive training tactics. R.A.D Basic Physical Defense classes train women specifically how to defend themselves physically from a sexual assault attack.
https://security.byu.edu/rape-aggression-defense-program
- Liahona August 2022: Honoring Agency in Physical Intimacy, by Benjamin M. Ogles
- Report on the Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault
- Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse, by Elder Richard G. Scott
Off-Campus Resources
Be thoughtful and prayerful when considering community and online resources. Look for options that support the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lead participants to make and keep sacred covenants with Him. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20)