The University of North Carolina Wilmington is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month by highlighting available campus and community resources. During this month, the university’s CARE program is hosting a series of events focused on prevention, support services, and awareness. The CARE program provides students with confidential support options, including 24-hour crisis intervention, safety planning, and connection to local resources. The program’s lead advocate, Tania Smith, emphasizes the importance of creating a campus culture that promotes active bystander intervention. “I want to encourage students to be an ally, to be active bystanders in trying to prevent sexual violence before it happens,” Smith said. “We have students who help us create that campus culture, and we go into classrooms and do tabling’s, and we do awareness-raising events—all kinds of things that will help create a campus culture where we are active bystanders in trying to stop these things before they even happen.”
The CARE office accepts walk-ins and scheduled appointments, making it accessible to students who may be hesitant to seek help. Smith notes that the office also works with students who may not be ready to take action, but still want to have a confidential resource to ask questions and seek guidance. “Or maybe making no decision… but ultimately having the space to have a confidential resource and ask all those questions to someone who has the expertise and the knowledge of what these systems look like,” Smith added. In addition to providing support to students, the CARE program works closely with local organizations, including Coastal Horizons’ Rape Crisis Center. Chelsea Croom, program director, highlights the importance of this partnership in providing extended support services both on and off campus. “Statistics show that between ages of 18–34 are the highest rates of sexual violence in adults. And so, having that resource on campus to not only provide advocacy and support but also—they can help navigate the system for students,” Croom said. Croom emphasizes that both organizations share a similar approach to working with survivors, focusing on believing and supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence. “Both of our agencies start by believing them, and I think that’s just a really important thing for survivors to recognize—that we are a resource for them in whatever capacity they need.”
The partnership between CARE and Coastal Horizons’ Rape Crisis Center demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the complex issue of sexual violence. By providing a range of resources and support services, both organizations help survivors navigate the system and access the care they need. In conclusion, the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s CARE program and Coastal Horizons’ Rape Crisis Center are essential resources for survivors of sexual assault in the Wilmington community. By working together and providing a range of support services, both organizations help create a culture of support and respect, where individuals feel empowered to seek help and take action against sexual violence.

The key to addressing sexual violence is not just providing resources, but also creating a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding. By educating ourselves and others about the issue, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive community for all.

Key takeaways:
• The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s CARE program provides confidential support options for students, including 24-hour crisis intervention and safety planning. • The CARE program works closely with local organizations, including Coastal Horizons’ Rape Crisis Center, to provide extended support services both on and off campus. • Both organizations emphasize the importance of believing and supporting survivors, focusing on creating a culture of respect and empathy. • The partnership between CARE and Coastal Horizons’ Rape Crisis Center demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing sexual violence. • The CARE program and Coastal Horizons’ Rape Crisis Center are essential resources for survivors of sexual assault in the Wilmington community, helping to create a culture of support and respect. Definitions:
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stands for Collaboration for Assault Response and Education, a campus program on the University of North Carolina Wilmington that provides confidential support options for students. •

is a local organization that provides 24-hour crisis response and extended support services to survivors of sexual assault. •

refers to the act of intervening in a situation where someone is experiencing or may be experiencing sexual violence, with the goal of preventing harm. Highlights:
• The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s CARE program and Coastal Horizons’ Rape Crisis Center are essential resources for survivors of sexual assault in the Wilmington community. • Creating a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding is crucial in addressing sexual violence and supporting survivors.