Resources


A Note on Confidentiality

Resources marked with an asterisk (*) are confidential resources, meaning that they are not required to report incidents of sexual violence to the university or law enforcement.


Support

Below you will find support resources on campus, in the Lawrence/Douglas County area, and nationally.

*Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education (CARE) Coordinator 

Melissa Foree, MSW, is KU’s Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education (CARE) Coordinator whose main role is to provide institutional support for students experiencing interpersonal violence. Services are available to KU students of all genders who have been affected by sexual violence and harassment, intimate partner/dating violence, and stalking. 

Working with the CARE Coordinator is free, confidential, and optional. Melissa is not mandated to report incidents or share information with university officials or organizations. CARE services involve helping students navigate both campus and community systems as requested. Students choose what to share and what to do next.

All situations are unique, but CARE services might include short-term supportive counseling; offering information on options and resources; connecting to post-assault medical and mental health care; assisting with supportive measures and academic assistance; and providing support during reporting or meetings (including KU administrative/Title IX, criminal court, or civil protection order processes).

For questions and/or schedule a time to talk, please contact Melissa at care@ku.edu or 785-864-9255.

 

Phone: 785-864-9255

Email: care@ku.edu

 

*The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

(24/7 Sexual Violence Support for Lawrence & Douglas County)

Started in 1972 as the first rape crisis center in Kansas, The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center promotes a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to people of all ages and genders affected by sexual trauma & abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. Services at the Care Center are free and confidential. 

Care Center Website 

24/7 Advocacy & Response Line:785-843-8985 

Learn more about free therapy and support groups provided by the Care Center

*The Willow Domestic Violence Center

(24/7 Domestic Violence Support for Lawrence & Douglas County)

The Willow Domestic Violence Center builds safer communities through shelter, service, and support to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties. 

All services are free and confidential and available to all residents of Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties in Kansas. 

24/7 Hotline: 785-843-3333 

*KSPHQ - Headquarters Counseling Center 

(24/7 Support Hotline)  

KSPHQ’s counseling center, Headquarters Counseling Center, is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center serving all of Kansas. If you need help right now, you can reach the center 24/7 every day at 785-841-2345 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Calls are free and confidential. Emotional support and crisis counseling are also available through online chat. 

You can call for any reason. If you’re thinking about suicide, concerned for a friend, grieving, feeling hopeless, or just need to talk to someone about something that’s going on in your life, you can call. 

Headquarters Counseling Center 24/7 Hotline: 785-841-2345 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

National Suicide Prevention Online Chat

Student Support and Case Management 

Student Support and Case Management empowers students to address and overcome barriers in order to achieve their educational and life goals while at the University of Kansas. Using a holistic and strengths-based approach, and in collaboration with campus and community partners, SSCM seeks to provide individuals support to connect students to each other and their communities to create a safer, healthier, and more caring environment.

*Counseling and Psychological Services 

Students who visit CAPS have a variety of interests and concerns. Many students seek help with psychological, interpersonal, family problems and other issues related to succeeding at the university. Individual and group sessions are available. 

CAPS staff are also available for consultation with students who may have concerns about another student or friend, or about a particular situation. CAPS staff members are also available to consult with faculty and staff regarding such issues. 

All contacts with CAPS Clinical Service are confidential. No client information is released to anyone outside the agency, other university offices, faculty, or parents without the clients' written consent. More information about confidentiality at CAPS can be found here

Information about making an appointment at CAPS can be found here. 

 

*RAINN 

(24/7 National Sexual Violence Support) 

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. 

RAINN offers free and confidential support through their hotline which is available through online chat, phone, and mobile app. More Information on RAINN’s support services is available here. 

Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) 

*National Domestic Violence Hotline

(24/7 National Domestic Violence Support) 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers can expect highly trained, experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information, educational services and referral services in more than 200 languages. Visitors to this site can find information about domestic violence, online instructional materials, safety planning, local resources and ways to support the organization. Support via phone, online chat, and text massage are available. The hotline is free and confidential. 

Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 

*myPlan App

(24/7 Support Resource)

At KU, we believe every student deserves to have safe, healthy relationships. myPlanApp is a free, confidential tool that helps students understand the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship and make safety decisions they are comfortable with. Learn more and make your plan at myPlanApp.org

*StrongHearts Native Helpline

(24/7 Support Hotline for American Indian and Alaska Natives) 

StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally appropriate support and advocacy. Advocates are also available to connect with through an online chat on their website. 

Helpline: 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)  

*Trans Lifeline 

(24/7 Peer Support Hotline Run by and for Trans People) 

The Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501 (c)(3 ) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people. The Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. You can call if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans. The Trans Life is free and confidential. 

Hotline: 877-565-8860 

*1in6

(24/7 National Support for Male Survivors of Sexual Violence) 

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. Their mission also includes serving family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community. 1in6 has partnered with RAINN to provide a free and anonymous helpline that is available 24/7, for men who’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault and for those who care about them.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) 

The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center has answers to frequently asked questions about SAFE exams. Below is some information about SAFE exams in the Lawrence area from the Care Center:

A medical option that may be available to survivors is getting a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). Another name for the SAFE exam is a “kit”. The SAFE exam collects evidence for a potential investigation administered by specially trained nurses called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).

In Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties, the SAFE exam is available to people of all genders and anyone aged 14 and up. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners are specially trained to collect and record evidence of sexual assault but also offer medical care, with special attention to injury, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections.

Advocates from the Care Center are available 24/7 to provide advocacy and support.

Where can I get a SAFE exam? 

Lawrence Memorial Hospital 

325 Maine St.

Lawrence, Kansas 66044 


Phone: 785-505-5000 

Post-Assault Medical Care 

Post assault medical care after an incident of sexual assault or intimate partner violence may include but is not limited to: STI testing, emergency contraception, physical exam of injuries, medication management. 

Watkins Health Services provides a wide range of comprehensive medical care including sexual and reproductive health care needs after an incident of violence. Watkins Health Services does not currently provide evidence collection through Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE). 

Watkins Health Services

1200 Schwegler Drive

Lawrence, KS, 66045

Phone:785-864-9507 

Students may also reach out to the CARE Coordinator for assistance accessing post assault medical health care needs at 785-864-9255 or care@ku.edu. 

Post-assault medical care is also available at Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH).

*Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education (CARE) Coordinator 

Melissa Foree, MSW, is KU’s Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education (CARE) Coordinator whose main role is to provide institutional support for students experiencing interpersonal violence. Services are available to KU students of all genders who have been affected by sexual violence and harassment, intimate partner/dating violence, and stalking. 

Working with the CARE Coordinator is free, confidential, and optional. Melissa is not mandated to report incidents or share information with university officials or organizations. CARE services involve helping students navigate both campus and community systems as requested. Students choose what to share and what to do next.

All situations are unique, but CARE services might include short-term supportive counseling; offering information on options and resources; connecting to post-assault medical and mental health care; assisting with supportive measures and academic assistance; and providing support during reporting or meetings (including KU administrative/Title IX, criminal court, or civil protection order processes).

For questions and/or schedule a time to talk, please contact Melissa at care@ku.edu or 785-864-9255.

 

Phone: 785-864-9255

Email: care@ku.edu

 

*The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

(24/7 Sexual Violence Support for Lawrence & Douglas County)

Started in 1972 as the first rape crisis center in Kansas, The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center promotes a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to people of all ages and genders affected by sexual trauma & abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. Services at the Care Center are free and confidential. 

Care Center Website 

24/7 Advocacy & Response Line:785-843-8985 

Learn more about free therapy and support groups provided by the Care Center

*The Willow Domestic Violence Center

(24/7 Domestic Violence Support for Lawrence & Douglas County)

The Willow Domestic Violence Center builds safer communities through shelter, service, and support to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties. 

All services are free and confidential and available to all residents of Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties in Kansas. 

24/7 Hotline: 785-843-3333 

*KSPHQ - Headquarters Counseling Center 

(24/7 Support Hotline)  

KSPHQ’s counseling center, Headquarters Counseling Center, is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center serving all of Kansas. If you need help right now, you can reach the center 24/7 every day at 785-841-2345 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Calls are free and confidential. Emotional support and crisis counseling are also available through online chat. 

You can call for any reason. If you’re thinking about suicide, concerned for a friend, grieving, feeling hopeless, or just need to talk to someone about something that’s going on in your life, you can call. 

Headquarters Counseling Center 24/7 Hotline: 785-841-2345 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

National Suicide Prevention Online Chat

Student Support and Case Management 

Student Support and Case Management empowers students to address and overcome barriers in order to achieve their educational and life goals while at the University of Kansas. Using a holistic and strengths-based approach, and in collaboration with campus and community partners, SSCM seeks to provide individuals support to connect students to each other and their communities to create a safer, healthier, and more caring environment.

*Counseling and Psychological Services 

Students who visit CAPS have a variety of interests and concerns. Many students seek help with psychological, interpersonal, family problems and other issues related to succeeding at the university. Individual and group sessions are available. 

CAPS staff are also available for consultation with students who may have concerns about another student or friend, or about a particular situation. CAPS staff members are also available to consult with faculty and staff regarding such issues. 

All contacts with CAPS Clinical Service are confidential. No client information is released to anyone outside the agency, other university offices, faculty, or parents without the clients' written consent. More information about confidentiality at CAPS can be found here

Information about making an appointment at CAPS can be found here. 

 

*RAINN 

(24/7 National Sexual Violence Support) 

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. 

RAINN offers free and confidential support through their hotline which is available through online chat, phone, and mobile app. More Information on RAINN’s support services is available here. 

Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) 

*National Domestic Violence Hotline

(24/7 National Domestic Violence Support) 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers can expect highly trained, experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information, educational services and referral services in more than 200 languages. Visitors to this site can find information about domestic violence, online instructional materials, safety planning, local resources and ways to support the organization. Support via phone, online chat, and text massage are available. The hotline is free and confidential. 

Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 

*myPlan App

(24/7 Support Resource)

At KU, we believe every student deserves to have safe, healthy relationships. myPlanApp is a free, confidential tool that helps students understand the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship and make safety decisions they are comfortable with. Learn more and make your plan at myPlanApp.org

*StrongHearts Native Helpline

(24/7 Support Hotline for American Indian and Alaska Natives) 

StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally appropriate support and advocacy. Advocates are also available to connect with through an online chat on their website. 

Helpline: 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)  

*Trans Lifeline 

(24/7 Peer Support Hotline Run by and for Trans People) 

The Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501 (c)(3 ) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people. The Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. You can call if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans. The Trans Life is free and confidential. 

Hotline: 877-565-8860 

*1in6

(24/7 National Support for Male Survivors of Sexual Violence) 

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. Their mission also includes serving family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community. 1in6 has partnered with RAINN to provide a free and anonymous helpline that is available 24/7, for men who’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault and for those who care about them.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) 

The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center has answers to frequently asked questions about SAFE exams. Below is some information about SAFE exams in the Lawrence area from the Care Center:

A medical option that may be available to survivors is getting a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). Another name for the SAFE exam is a “kit”. The SAFE exam collects evidence for a potential investigation administered by specially trained nurses called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).

In Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties, the SAFE exam is available to people of all genders and anyone aged 14 and up. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners are specially trained to collect and record evidence of sexual assault but also offer medical care, with special attention to injury, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections.

Advocates from the Care Center are available 24/7 to provide advocacy and support.

Where can I get a SAFE exam? 

Lawrence Memorial Hospital 

325 Maine St.

Lawrence, Kansas 66044 


Phone: 785-505-5000 

Post-Assault Medical Care 

Post assault medical care after an incident of sexual assault or intimate partner violence may include but is not limited to: STI testing, emergency contraception, physical exam of injuries, medication management. 

Watkins Health Services provides a wide range of comprehensive medical care including sexual and reproductive health care needs after an incident of violence. Watkins Health Services does not currently provide evidence collection through Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE). 

Watkins Health Services

1200 Schwegler Drive

Lawrence, KS, 66045

Phone:785-864-9507 

Students may also reach out to the CARE Coordinator for assistance accessing post assault medical health care needs at 785-864-9255 or care@ku.edu. 

Post-assault medical care is also available at Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH).


Reporting

Below you will find information about how to report incidents of sexual violence to the University and/or law enforcement.

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX 

The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX administers KU's equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies and procedures, and encourages a campus climate of respect and understanding. They serve as a neutral and unbiased resource for members of the university community who wish to report an allegation of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence and/or retaliation, and we offer assistance and protective measures to those individuals. 

Information about reporting sexual misconduct and sexual harassment can be found on the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX’s website. 

Information on Reporting Sexual Misconduct 

Information on Reporting Sexual Harassment 

To report an incident of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking or retaliation to The University of Kansas please reach out to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX. 

To report an incident anonymously please click the "Report an Incident" tab and only complete the required fields.

Mandated Reporters

Most University of Kansas faculty and staff are mandated reporters. More information on mandatory reporting can be found in the KU Policy Library. 

 

If there is an immediate danger/threat please call 911. 

If a student would like to report an incident to law enforcement and potentially start a formal police investigation and/or engage in a potential criminal proceeding they need to call the police department that has jurisdiction over where the incident occurred.

Law Enforcement in Lawrence

For incidents on campus property: KU Public Safety Office, 24/7, 785-864-5900

For incidents off campus property in Douglas County: Lawrence Police Department, 24/7, 785-832-7509

For information on Protection from Stalking and Sexual Assault (PFSSA's) Orders and Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders please call the Douglas County District Attorney's Office, 785-832-526

For support during any of these processes, please reach out to the CARE Coordinator, 785-864-9255care@ku.edu or The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center

 

To report other incidents of harm (hazing, verbal harassment/threats, physical violence, alcohol/drug abuse concerns) to The University of Kansas please reach out to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards. 

To report a general concern about a student (emotional distress, returning to KU after an absence or difficult circumstance, mental and physical health needs) please reach out to The University of Kansas Student Support and Case Management Team

 

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX 

The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX administers KU's equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies and procedures, and encourages a campus climate of respect and understanding. They serve as a neutral and unbiased resource for members of the university community who wish to report an allegation of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence and/or retaliation, and we offer assistance and protective measures to those individuals. 

Information about reporting sexual misconduct and sexual harassment can be found on the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX’s website. 

Information on Reporting Sexual Misconduct 

Information on Reporting Sexual Harassment 

To report an incident of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking or retaliation to The University of Kansas please reach out to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX. 

To report an incident anonymously please click the "Report an Incident" tab and only complete the required fields.

Mandated Reporters

Most University of Kansas faculty and staff are mandated reporters. More information on mandatory reporting can be found in the KU Policy Library. 

 

If there is an immediate danger/threat please call 911. 

If a student would like to report an incident to law enforcement and potentially start a formal police investigation and/or engage in a potential criminal proceeding they need to call the police department that has jurisdiction over where the incident occurred.

Law Enforcement in Lawrence

For incidents on campus property: KU Public Safety Office, 24/7, 785-864-5900

For incidents off campus property in Douglas County: Lawrence Police Department, 24/7, 785-832-7509

For information on Protection from Stalking and Sexual Assault (PFSSA's) Orders and Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders please call the Douglas County District Attorney's Office, 785-832-526

For support during any of these processes, please reach out to the CARE Coordinator, 785-864-9255care@ku.edu or The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center

 

To report other incidents of harm (hazing, verbal harassment/threats, physical violence, alcohol/drug abuse concerns) to The University of Kansas please reach out to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards. 

To report a general concern about a student (emotional distress, returning to KU after an absence or difficult circumstance, mental and physical health needs) please reach out to The University of Kansas Student Support and Case Management Team