Virginia Tech launches SAFE at VT website

From: Sexual Violence Culture and Climate Work Group

SAFE at VT, Virginia Tech’s new website dedicated to advancing the institution’s progress toward a university environment that protects against sexual violence, has launched.

The website provides clear, current, and comprehensive information and resources for survivors as well as community members who support survivors and advocate for a safe environment for all.

Developed in response to student recommendations and through cross-departmental collaboration within Virginia Tech’s Sexual Violence Culture and Climate (SVCC) Work Group, SAFE at VT prioritizes ease of access to essential content:

• “Above-the-fold” homepage placement of resources for individuals seeking support in the first 72 hours following an assault.
• Title IX coordinator contact details and reporting form access on every page.
• Explanations and contact information of resources for survivors and community members in need of counsel from confidential, private, or community-based sources.
• Recommended approaches for peer-to-peer efforts to support survivors.
• Guidance on prevention tactics and helpful definitions to ensure Virginia Tech community members have tools to help be part of the change.
• Clarification of the reporting process and applicable university policies and procedures.
• 24/7 access to reporting information and resources when they are needed in real time.
  

The launch of SAFE at VT is among Virginia Tech’s first digital steps fulfilling the SVCC Work Group charge to establish a framework for sustainable climate and cultural transformation, enable transparent operations and communications, and engage the campus broadly.

SAFE at VT, or safe.vt.edu, replaces the university’s Stop Abuse website.

President Tim Sands established the SVCC Work Group in 2021 to advance the university’s commitment to address sexual violence and enhance preventative programming. Title IX Coordinator Katie Polidoro chairs the work group, and its members represent various university areas, from the Virginia Tech Police Department to the Women’s Center, and students.