We recognize the impact and prevalence of power-based personal violence including sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking. Power-based personal violence is rooted in the assertion of power, control and/or intimidation with the intent to harm another. We believe that prevention is about action, education, and the continuum of care for our students, faculty, and staff.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this month, we’d like to focus on the vital role that loved ones play in supporting survivors and fostering a community of care. We know that talking about power-based personal violence can be hard. To help guide conversations with your students who may want to talk about their experiences, we recommend using RAINN’s “TALK” method.

T: Thank them for telling you.

A: Ask how you can help.

L: Listen without judgment.

K: Keep supporting.

Even when we are not impacted by power-based personal violence, we all have a responsibility to do something to help prevent it. We all can create a safer campus community by learning about the resources that are available and learning about bystander intervention.

For more information about power-based personal violence prevention and resources, please visit knowmore.fsu.edu.

For more information about the university’s bystander intervention program, Green Dot, please visit knowmore.fsu.edu/greendot.