Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

R.A.P.E. Center changes its name to The Advocacy Center

Friday, August 26, 2011, By News Staff
Share

Beginning this fall, the scope of services provided by the R.A.P.E. Center has officially expanded to include relationship violence. As a result of this broadening of services, as well as feedback from students, staff and faculty about the R.A.P.E. Center name creating a barrier to accessing services, the center has been renamed The Advocacy Center: Sexual and Relationship Violence Services, Prevention and Education.

advocacy“We believe our new name reflects what we have learned from the students who shared their stories with us, and the work of the inspiring volunteers who take action to bring about positive change,” says Janet Epstein, associate director of The Advocacy Center.

In 2010, the Division of Student Affairs determined there was a need to identify a campus resource to provide confidential advocacy and support, and prevention/educational programs related to the issue of relationship violence. It was decided that the R.A.P.E. Center would be that resource.

“As the influence of the center has grown over the years, it is only appropriate to rename the center in a way that explains to the community the important work of this vital campus resource,” says Thomas V. Wolfe, senior vice president and dean of student affairs.

Over the course of six months, the R.A.P.E. Center staff engaged various stakeholders throughout the campus and into the community in the name-changing process. This collaboration resulted in a significant amount of input that helped guide the process.

“We thank all who participated in the process and are truly grateful to the students, staff, faculty and community members who partner with us in supporting the mission of the center, and assist us in creating a community of empowered bystanders,” says Epstein.

The new name, The Advocacy Center, meets the goal of reflecting both the services the R.A.P.E. Center provides, and the prevention programming and caring-community aspects of the center’s work. It is welcoming and empowering, and will hopefully increase student comfort in accessing the center’s services.

The Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center (Rape, Advocacy, Prevention and Education) was established in 1990, as a result of the recommendations from the Task Force on Rape created by Chancellor Melvin Eggers. Among the recommendations from the Task Force was that SU adopt the policy on rape and sexual assault presented by the group and establish a center to develop and continue comprehensive sexual assault prevention programs, as well as provide counseling and support services for sexual assault victims. At the time the R.A.P.E. Center was established, no comparable center existed on a college campus in the United States.

Student, staff and faculty volunteers have always been key members of the R.A.P.E. Center team, and their involvement has led to the continued growth of the center. Over the years, the R.A.P.E. Center has responded to the identified needs of students and has provided advocacy and education related to all forms of interpersonal violence.

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Roundtable to Explore Vaccine History, Racial Disparities within the Medical System, and COVID-19 Vaccine Options
    Tuesday, April 13, 2021, By Shannon Andre
  • 2022 SCRC Faculty Fellows Program Call for Proposals
    Tuesday, April 13, 2021, By Cristina Hatem
  • New Study From Department of Biology Highlights Ways to Support Students in Virtual Learning Environments
    Tuesday, April 13, 2021, By Dan Bernardi
  • Architecture Student Named to Future100 List in Metropolis Magazine
    Tuesday, April 13, 2021, By Julie Sharkey
  • ‘Putin’s Rules of the Game’
    Tuesday, April 13, 2021, By Lily Datz

More In Campus & Community

2022 SCRC Faculty Fellows Program Call for Proposals

The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Syracuse University Libraries is now accepting proposals for two Faculty Fellows who would like to provide students with an opportunity to handle, analyze and interpret SCRC’s primary source materials in their classes. Proposal…

Important Public Health Update: Barnes Center Will Pause Distribution of J&J Vaccine

Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff: A short time ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a temporary pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson single dose…

Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders Highlights Importance of Interfaith Collaboration

Conversations about faith and religion are often avoided. In the midst of polarized times such topics can be especially daunting. However, as shared by Rev. Brian E. Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel, a key to understanding others lies in having…

Appointments Now Available for Wednesday, April 14–Sign Up Today!

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff: Have you signed up to get an on-campus vaccination yet? If not, but you plan to be vaccinated, we urge you to take action today. The Barnes Center at The Arch now has appointments available…

Twice-Weekly Testing Schedule (April 12-16)

Dear North Campus Residents: As a reminder, we continue to conduct twice-weekly testing for all on-campus students living in North Campus residence halls. We are writing to share this week’s testing schedule. All testing takes place at the Stadium Testing…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.