SAFE Impact
SAFE Annual Report
2021-22
At the Women and Gender Advocacy Center (WGAC), we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, focusing on gender and intersectionality. As confidential advocates, we support survivors of interpersonal violence, providing education and resources while advocating for individual and systemic change.
Our programs, including the Red Whistle Brigade, the 24-hour Victim Assistance Team (VAT), the Survivor's Speakers Bureau and our advocacy and prevention education podcasts, contribute to our mission of empowerment, healing and social justice. We look forward to continuing our work and fostering a campus community that supports survivors and promotes their well-being.
Forecast for the Future
As a Center, WGAC is committed to engaging in work that focuses on gender and intersectionality. We believe that it is the role and responsibility of our office to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment for all students that supports their development and retention.
When advocating for survivors of interpersonal violence, we view ourselves as a supportive and confidential resource. It is our role and responsibility to focus on the needs of the survivor in any given moment. We educate about resources available on and off campus and facilitate the connection to the resources chosen by the survivor. We advocate both for individual survivors and for all survivors on a systemic level. We acknowledge that survivors’ social identities will impact their experience of the assault, disclosure and engagement with offices, departments and systems. Our goal is to work to ameliorate systemic oppression that may create additional barriers for survivors accessing resources.
2021-22 WGAC Programs
The Red Whistle Brigade is a troupe of students responsible for providing educational programming in the areas of gender socialization, sexual violence prevention, healthy relationships, sexual health and more. Members educate peers using methods including traditional facilitation, film screenings, flash mobs, photo booths, plaza days and street theater.
WGAC relies heavily on volunteer advocates to staff the 24-hour hotline, particularly after hours and weekends. Volunteer advocates are students, staff and faculty who complete a 40-hour training class and interview process. After-hours advocacy often includes accompanying survivors to the hospital/police. Volunteer advocates then get survivors connected to a full time advocate the next business day.
One important part of healing and activism for many survivors of interpersonal violence is to tell their stories to others. Primary and secondary survivors (loved ones, friends and family) are welcome to participate in the Speakers Bureau. Survivors complete a three-hour orientation, and then speak for classes, programs and conferences arranged through WGAC.
“We Believe You: Advocacy, resources and Healing Around Interpersonal Trauma”
In each episode, the WGAC advocacy team explores the concepts and practices associated with healing after trauma. Episodes also share tips, strategies and resources around sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. A key focus is exploration of ways that identity can impact healing.
“Do You Even Lift, Bro? Men Exercising Social Justice”
Let’s be real. Men need to bring up their social justice game, and we believe there are men out there who want to but don’t know how. This podcast allows for men to open, share and for a lot of self-reflection.
Diverse stories
Since the 1960s, Colorado State has made concerted efforts to support diverse students in meaningful ways. We are collecting stories and will share the outcomes of those efforts – past and present.
SHARE YOUR STORY