A new initiative at the University of Michigan supports student victims and survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, abuse, intimate partner violence and stalking in processing their experiences.
The Survivor Care Team launched in April and is a collaboration between U-M’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
The Survivor Care Team takes a holistic approach to healing and offers individualized support plans that can cover therapy, support or therapy groups and advocacy.
To access the care team, students can visit either the SAPAC or CAPS offices.
Resources include:
Academic Advocacy -- Team members can reach out to professors/GSIs to request extensions, alternative assignments, excused absences, etc. for your student.
Medical Advocacy -- Staff can connect your student with post-assault medical care, and walk them through going to the hospital or health center for post-assault care.
Reporting/Investigation Support -- Team members can talk your student through both university and police processes, and connect them with an investigator or officer as well as support them throughout the entire investigative process.
Housing Advocacy & Safety Planning -- Survivor Care team members help your student secure new housing, on or off campus as well as create a safety plan, and coordinate with other supportive and protective resources to help keep them safe.
Same-Day Crisis Appointments--CAPS’ Counselor on Duty provides services for immediate support: for example, after a recent sexual assault, a current abusive relationship, increase in mental health symptoms related to experiences of violence, etc. Services are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Individual Therapy-- CAPS uses a brief therapy model to meet your students’ needs. Team members can help them process the experience and explore the mental health impact. Using a trauma-informed approach to treating symptoms, and offering therapeutic support in your healing process, together they create a plan together at your student’s first appointment.
For complete information on the Survivor Care Team, please view this video or visit the website.