Understanding Interpersonal Violence

Interpersonal Violence encompasses various forms of abuse and harm between individuals. It includes:

Domestic Violence: Involves abusive behavior in a relationship to gain power and control over a partner. It can be physical, emotional or sexual.
Dating Violence: Like domestic violence but specifically occurs within dating relationships. It includes physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Sexual Violence: Encompasses sexual assault, harassment and coercion. It involves any non-consensual sexual act or behavior.

What You Can Do

Recognize the Signs: Be aware of behaviors or signs that indicate someone might be experiencing violence.
Support: Offer to allow individuals to share their experiences. Listen without judgment. Encourage them to seek help, but do not pressure friends to take steps if they aren’t ready.
Seek Help: If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and is ready to seek help, assist them with reaching out to campus resources like the Counseling and Mental Health Center, or any of the resources listed on this page.

Foster a culture of respect and consent in relationships. Consent is an active, voluntary agreement that can be revoked at any time and is necessary for every sexual encounter. If a person is drunk, high, asleep or too afraid to say no, they cannot give consent.
Educate yourself and others about healthy boundaries and communication. Ask what you want when it comes to sex and know your boundaries. You should never be pressured into doing anything sexually. Remember, sex should feel good for all partners.
Intervene when you witness concerning behaviors or situations. When you see something that doesn’t seem right, say something.