Content warning: This page contains information about relationship and sexual violence.
Confidential RSVP counselors available 24/7
Email rsvpcenter@wustl.edu or call 314-935-3445 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
24/7 emergency via Provident WashU at 314-935-6666, WUPD (314-935-5555) or SARAH peer counseling during the academic year (314-935-8080)
There is no such thing as a “typical” sexual assault or abusive relationship. Sexual and relationship violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, class, status, sexual orientation, ability, religion or physical appearance.
According to the Association of American Universities Sexual Assault Report, male and female graduate students experience sexual assault, sexual harassment and intimate partner violence.
- Graduate students are more likely that undergraduates to be sexually harassed by a faculty or staff member, as opposed to another student. Working closely with faculty and students, along with more complex professional relationships, may contribute to this increased risk of experiencing sexual harassment, coercion and violence in work environments.
- Graduate students do not receive comprehensive education about consent and the resources available to survivors, which can lead them to be unsure as to how to find services after an assault.
- Graduate students may feel as though services available are only for undergraduates, or sexual violence is a problem mostly younger people face. In reality, many graduate students experience sexual violence, intimate partner violence and sexual harassment, and there are many services and support systems available to you.
There are a wide variety of resources available to you. Remember each situation is unique, and the RSVP center can work with you to take the steps that make sense in your particular situation.
Resources for Graduate & Professional Students
There are a variety of resources available to graduate students who experience sexual assault and gender violence, both on Washington University’s campus and in the greater St. Louis area. RSVP Center staff will be able to support you through the Center and also assist you in locating and accessing the resources most appropriate for your situation and needs.
Understanding the different forms in which sexual and relationship violence appear may help you determine if you are experiencing it. Use the following links to find more information on sexual harassment, relationship and dating violence and stalking.
Campus Resources
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- Danforth Campus
- Medical School Student & Occupational Health Services
- WUSM Security & Law Enforcement for on-campus assistance
314-362-HELP (4357) - Center for Counseling and Psychological Services: 314-935-6666, Option 2
Dr. Nancy Friesen: 314-362-2404
Dr. Rimiko Thomas: 314-747-0225
Housing Accommodations
All WashU students, including graduate students, are entitled to being moved into alternate housing, regardless of whether or not they currently live in WashU housing, quadrangle housing or in private off-campus housing.
Order of Protection
The option of obtaining a court order of protection (restraining order) is available 24/7. Orders of protection require an application which must be reviewed and approved by a judge. After business hours, there is always a judge on call. WUPD or Kim Webb can help facilitate obtaining an order of protection through the court system.
For further information, contact the WUPD police department at 314-935-5555 or Kim Webb, the Director of the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center at 314-935-8761.
Need Help?
Confidential RSVP Center counselors are available 24/7. Email rsvpcenter@wustl.edu or call 314-935-3445 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Counselors are available 24/7 for emergency situations via Provident WashU at 314-935-6666WUPD (314-935-5555) or SARAH peer counseling during the academic year (314-935-8080).