Relationship Violence | Student Well-Being

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Understanding your options and steps you can take

Experiencing a controlling relationship can isolate you from those around you. Connecting to support is important for you or any friends who may be experiencing relationship violence. Relationship violence is a pattern of behaviors meant to control someone else that may include emotional manipulation, intimidation, and physical harm.

This page offers information about what campus partners are available to support you, and some options for you to consider.

Steps to take

In life threatening or crisis situations, call 911.

LiveWell Confidential Advocate- serves faculty, staff, and students

Our LiveWell Confidential Advocates provide a safe and confidential space to support to individuals who have experienced an incident of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or sexual harassment. We support individuals and help them understand their options for reporting both on campus and in the larger community, provide academic advocacy, and safety plan — always with the understanding that it is up to the individual to make decisions about next steps and whether or not they want to report to campus officials or the police. To make an appointment visit the livewell website: LiveWell Advocate scheduling

24-hour and off-campus support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a concern and our UW offices are closed, or you would prefer to talk with someone immediately over the phone, these resources can offer assistance.

For support, call SafeCampus at 206.685.7233 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. excluding UW holidays. SafeCampus is not confidential, but you have the option to call anonymously and withhold identifying information to protect your privacy if you wish.

National Sexual Assault Website & Hotline: 24/7 phone-based support. Call 1.800.656-HOPE.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Additional information about relationship violence

Relationship violence is a pattern of behaviors meant to control someone else. Behaviors can includes physical harm, making a partner fearful, or prevent a partner from doing what they wish or forcing them to behave in ways they do not want. It can include the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. Many of these different forms of violence/abuse can be occurring at any one time within the same intimate relationship. Relationship violence affects people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, social classes, ages and abilities.

Isolation from friends, family, work or social activities
Emotional abuse; belittling, calling names or constant put-downs
Extreme jealousy, constant monitoring, calling or texting to know where they are and who they are with
Demanding social media passwords
Dominating finances
Physical assault and injury
Threatening suicide if you end the relationship

Most people turn to friends first when sharing concerns about an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Your response will go a long way in helping them feel supported and may impact whether they choose to seek additional help. Please consider taking these steps when someone discloses to you:

Validate: Believe them and thank them for trusting you and sharing with you.
Listen: Quiet any judgement you may have
Ask: How you can help? What if anything would help right now?
Connect: Share with them that there are resources on campus to support them.
Consult: Call SafeCampus or a Campus Advocate to determine options or share any safety concerns.
Self-care: Take care of yourself and be aware of your own feelings.

Relationship violence may be a form of sexual misconduct and a violation of Title IX.

If you have experienced relationship violence, learn more about Title IX and additional campus resources, such as Confidential Advocates, by visiting the UW Sexual Assault Resources Page.
If you are a UW student employee, staff or faculty member who has received a disclosure, visit our Title IX Response and Support Protocol page to learn what to do next.

Understanding your options and steps you can take

Campus partners

Related resources

Steps to take

LiveWell Confidential Advocate- serves faculty, staff, and students

24-hour and off-campus support

Additional information about relationship violence

What is relationship violence?

Know the signs

Supporting a friend or colleague

Relationship violence and Title IX

Be boundless

Connect with us:

Understanding your options and steps you can take

Campus partners

Related resources

Steps to take

LiveWell Confidential Advocate- serves faculty, staff, and students

24-hour and off-campus support

Additional information about relationship violence

What is relationship violence?

Know the signs

Supporting a friend or colleague

Relationship violence and Title IX

Crisis support

US emergencies: Call 911

SafeCampus: 206.685.7233

Husky HelpLine (24/7 Mental Health Support): 206.616.7777

Crisis Connections (Seattle-area mental health support): 866.427.4747

On-campus support

International support for students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad