Preventing Harm and Misconduct
The entire Wofford College campus community plays a role in preventing discrimination, harassment, and sexual and gender-based misconduct. Review the resources below and contact the Title IX coordinator, an institutional equity case coordinator, or a staff member in the Wellness Center to further discuss options, resources and programming.
View the Sexual Misconduct Education, Awareness and Resources Brochure.
- Bystander intervention is the most effective method for preventing discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct. Active bystanders step in when they see a concerning situation unfolding in a classroom or social setting. Being an active bystander can be challenging and frightening, but taking a step to help someone does not always mean getting directly involved. You can request assistance from friends; reach out to someone with authority, such as the Department of Campus Safety; create a distraction; or use other methods, alone or together, to interrupt and abate a situation. Active bystanders should not put themselves in harm’s way or escalate a situation. If you cannot intervene without putting yourself or others in danger, contact Campus Safety immediately. Visit RAINN.org to learn about specific actions you can take to be an active bystander.
- Download the Circle of 6 app. Choose a group of friends to send your location or pre-written messages when you find yourself in a situation where you need help.
- Learning about healthy relationships can help you recognize concerning behaviors in your own relationship or help you recognize concerning aspects of a friend or loved one’s relationship. LoveIsRespect.org provides information about communication, setting boundaries, conflict resolution and relationship red flags. If you or someone you know is experiencing dating or domestic violence, reach out to a confidential resource in the Wellness Center or Chaplain’s Office, or call SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition (Spartanburg) for help: 864-583-9803.
- Support friends or loved ones who have experienced harassment or sexual or gender-based misconduct. Help them find resources and reporting options, but leave the decisions in their hands.
- Work with the Title IX office or Wellness Center to host a program for your student organization, team, department or the campus community as a whole. Topics can include diversity and inclusion, consent, resources and reporting options, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, dating/domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Contact the Title IX coordinator or the director of the Wellness Center for assistance with ideas and/or planning for an event.