Michigan State University has made many significant changes to foster a safer campus and address instances of relationship violence, sexual assault or abuse, sexual harassment and stalking. Now the university has launched a new effort based on one of the actions outlined in the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Strategic Plan.
“We are striving to create a trauma-informed culture and help our community members know how to respond to these instances in an informed and caring way,” said President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “This initiative not only supports the actions outlined in the RVSM Strategic Plan, but also the larger university strategic plan for Empowering Excellence, Advancing Equity and Expanding Impact.”
The Support More initiative focuses on providing guidance for how to respond to disclosures of relationship violence, sexual assault or abuse, sexual harassment and stalking in a manner that is helpful to survivors as well as promoting the availability of related campus resources and services.
“We started with ‘Know More,’ the campuswide survey to assess the culture, perceptions and policies related to sexual assault, harassment and workplace incivility. Next was ‘Do More,’ the development of our strategic plan. Now, ‘Support More’ will help build a trauma-informed culture,” said Rebecca Campbell, professor of psychology, co-chair of the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup and presidential adviser. “Research has found that teaching people how to provide helpful, supportive reactions to disclosures helps alleviate victims’ distress and promotes healing.”
One of the unique aspects of the effort is a new video series providing a behind-the-scenes look at supportive resources on campus and details on how to access each program. The videos are meant to introduce the community to the people who work in these programs and help survivors feel more comfortable accessing
the services.
In addition, the main website (supportmore.msu.edu) contains suggestions for supportive statements that can help guide a survivor on a path toward healing. Knowing how to respond when a survivor shares their story can feel intimidating and many are unsure how to show support. The examples are a starting point of helpful things to say.
“Fostering a culture where everyone feels safe and supported will take time and all of us working together,” Campbell added. “This launch is just the beginning of a long-term effort.”
For more information: supportmore.msu.edu