The Division of Student Affairs, in partnership with UNLV Police Services, CSUN, and GPSA, shares a critical concern for victims of sexual violence and a desire to support their needs for justice and healing. In 2016 the UNLV Police Services received a total of 3 reports of sexual assault, rape or attempted rape, and the UNLV CARE Advocates served the needs of victims in 2017 during 10 HOTLINE Calls and 14 In-Office Advocacy sessions.

Based on data provided by End Violence Against Women International, current estimates suggest as few as 1 in 5 sexual assaults will be reported to law enforcement and less than 3 percent will result in the conviction and incarceration of the perpetrator. Research documents that victims are far more likely to disclose their sexual assault to a friend or family member, and when these loved ones respond with doubt, shame, or blame, victims suffer additional negative effects on their physical and psychological well-being.

The Start by Believing public awareness campaign (a program of End Violence Against Women International) is designed to improve the responses of friends, family members, and community professionals, so they can help victims to access supportive resources and engage the criminal justice system.

UNLV supports the Start by Believing public awareness campaign will kick off an awareness campaign on the first Wednesday of April each year throughout the campus. This day provides an opportunity for communities across the country, and around the world, to unify with one meaningful message for survivors of sexual assault: we hear you and we are here to help you.

Visit a comprehensive list of resources at the Jean Nidetch Women’s Center website.

Learn about the Sexual Assault Response Guarantee at UNLV Police Services.