Title IX Resources

• Be Compassionate: Your friend has been through something extremely difficult. Thank them for trusting you, and let them know that you are there for them, even if it's just a shoulder to cry on. If your friend doesn't want to talk about it, that's okay. Give them space to work things out on their own time.
• Offer Support: Ask your friend if they would like you to call for them, or walk them campus support services.
• Speak Kindly: It's hard to know what to say when a loved one is hurting. Here are some simple suggestions:
  • "I believe you."
  • "I'm sorry this happened to you."
  • "Thank you for trusting me."
  • "Can I do anything for you?"
  • "I'm always here to talk."

• Victim Blame: Sexual misconduct is never the fault of the victim. Statements like "You  shouldn't have gone to their room" or "You should have fought back" only blame the victim for what happened to them.
• Be Dismissive: Everyone's experience is unique. Saying things like "It happens to everyone" or "That was years ago, get over it" can be very hurtful. No matter the circumstances, a survivor's feelings are valid and important.
• Make It About You: Even if you share a similar experience, remember that this is about your friend. Saying "I know how you feel" or sharing your story may seem comforting, but it is important to keep the focus on the needs of the survivor. Avoid sharing what you "would have done" in the same situation.
• Tell Others: A survivor's story belongs to them, and if they choose to, they will share it with those that they trust. Even if you think it could be helpful, telling others about your friend's experience is a breach of trust. Confidentiality is key to keeping your friend safe and ensuring that they know they can rely on you in the future.

The 10 ideas below have been adapted from Jackson Katz's "10 things men can do to prevent gender violence."

1. Think of gender violence as EVERYONE's issue - not just a women's issue. View men not just as potential perpetrators or offenders, but as empowered bystanders who can help end violence by confronting their peers.
2. If someone you know is abusing their partner, or is disrespectful to others based on their gender, don't look the other way. If you feel comfortable doing so, try to talk to them about it. If you don't know what to do, consult a friend, parent, counselor, or professor. DON'T REMAIN SILENT.
3. If you think that someone close to you is being abused or has been sexually assaulted, gently ask if you can help.
4. If you are emotionally, psychologically, physically, or sexually abusive to others, or have been in the past, seek professional help NOW.
5. Be an ally to those who are working to end all forms of gender violence. Support the work of campus-based women's centers. Attend "Take Back the Night" rallies and other public events. Raise money for community-based rape crisis centers and shelters. If you belong to a team, organization, or student group, organize a fundraiser.
6. Recognize and speak out against homophobia and transphobia. Discrimination and violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community is wrong in and of itself. This abuse also has direct links to sexism (e.g. the sexual orientation of men who speak out against sexism is often questioned, a conscious or unconscious strategy intended to silence them. This is a key reason few men do speak out.)
7. Have the courage to look inward. Question your own attitudes and beliefs, and don't be defensive when something you say or do hurts someone else. Try to understand how you might perpetuate sexism and violence unintentionally, and work toward changing your attitudes and actions.
8. Attend programs, take courses, watch films, and read articles and books about multicultural masculinities, gender inequality, and the root causes of gender violence. Educate yourself and others about how larger social forces affect the conflicts between individual men, women, transgender, and non-binary folks.
9. Don't fund sexism. Refuse to purchase any magazine, rent any video, subscribe to any Web site, or buy any music that portrays girls or women in a sexually degrading or abusive manner. Protest sexism in the media. Don't give your money to companies who negatively represent members of the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Mentor and teach young boys about how to be men in ways that don't involve degrading or abusing girls, women, and non-binary folks. Volunteer to work with gender violence prevention programs, including anti-sexist men's programs. Lead by example.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by gender violence, the Office of Gender Equity and Inclusion is here to help. Call 513-556-3349 or email titleix@uc.edu.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, there are resources on this campus that can help. Let's talk about it.

UC Blue Ash Counseling Services
Muntz Hall Room 118A
UC CAPS at 513-556-0648

Campus Victim Advocates
559 Steger Student Life Center
513-556-4418
513-431-1563 (call or text)

Title IX Reporting:
3115 Edwards 1
45 Corry Boulevard
513-556-3349
titleix@uc.edu

Criminal Reporting:
University of Cincinnati Police
Muntz Hall Room 134
513-558-9454

• Division of Student Life & Success
• Academic Affairs Office
• UC's Title IX Headquarters

Academic Affairs
Muntz Hall | Room 140
Phone: 513-558-9461
Email: ucbaacadaffairs@uc.edu