BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech leaders have partnered with the Carilion New River Medical Center to support victims of sexual assault and violence at the university.
“Virginia Tech wants to do everything it possibly can do to have a campus environment free of the threat of sexual assault of sexual violence,” said Mark Owczarski, Virginia Tech Spokesperson.
Since January 2024, there have been 13 reported incidents on Virginia Tech’s campus. Owczarski said one is too many.
“In order for students to be successful in their academic pursuits, which is our line of work, it’s our mission, we need to remove any fears or barriers that an individual might face,” Owczarski said.
He emphasized that the university wants to eliminate barriers for survivors when reporting an assault or getting help.
“A one size fits all may not be the best approach, and our objective and our goal is to provide that support as defined by the individual,” Owczarski said.
Their newest initiative is simple, if someone is a victim of sexual assault or violence and needs to get to a hospital for follow up appointments, they can request a ride from the Virginia Tech Police Department or schedule a Lyft free of charge.
Heather Smith, a forensic nurse examiner for Carilion Clinic, said programs like this can make a huge difference for survivors.
“For them to be able to have a ride to the hospital, that’s one less thing, one less barrier for them to have to worry about for them to be able to get the care they need,” Smith said.
It is another step towards putting survivors first, and making college a safe and inviting place for everyone.