Ohio U Resource Guide

Illustration by Emily Crebs

Editor’s Note: This story is part of a collaboration with Ohio State University’s The Lantern. Student Perceptions of Sexual Violence On Campus, a look at the state of sexual violence prevalence, education and reporting on our respective campuses.

Athens Local Law Enforcement

Ohio University Police Department (OUPD) 

• Building 13, The Ridges, Just east of the Kennedy Museum on Ridges Circle Drive 

• 740-593-1911

• https://www.ohio.edu/police

• police@ohio.edu

• The Ohio University Police Department investigates allegations of sexual misconduct that occur on the Athens campus and constitute violations of criminal law. Offic- ers are trained in crisis intervention and sexual assault investigation and will work to ensure the well-being of the survivor to include assisting him/ her to access health care and support services.

Athens Police Department (APD) 

• 11 North College St. Athens, OH 45701

• 740-592-3313

•  https://www.ci.athens.oh.us/120/Police-Department

• A crisis intervention officer will respond. The Violence Against Women Unit with a special investigator and social worker can provide confidential victim services.

Athens Campus Resources

Survivor Advocacy Program (SAP) 

• 038 Lindley Hall

• 740-597-SAFE (7233) (24-hour hotline)

• https://www.ohio.edu/survivor

• The Survivor Advocacy Program (SAP) provides confidential support and advocacy services to student survivors of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. SAP is staffed by full-time, licensed social workers, a director, and survivor advocate/case managers. On weekdays after 5 p.m. and weekends, the SAP phone number is the acting crisis hotline.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) 

• 3rd Floor Hudson Health Center 

• 740-593-1616

• https://www.ohio.edu/student-affairs/counseling 

• CPS provides professional and confidential counseling to students on the Athens campus. Drop-in hours 9:45-3:15pm, Monday through Friday. To access counselors who are on-call 24 hours a day, call 740-593-1616. Counseling services are available to students, and consultation services are available to faculty and staff. A Sexual Assault Survivors Group (for women) and a Trauma Support Group (for anyone who has experienced a sexual assault) are available by referral.

LGBT Center

• 354 Baker University Center 

• 740-593-0239

• https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/lgbt

• Staff in the LGBT Center can help connect survivors of sexual violence with LGBT-affirming resources on campus and in the Athens community. The center is also committed to providing education on the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender survivors as well as advocating for these needs on and off campus.

Office of Equity and Civil Right Compliance (ECRC) 

• 006 Lindley Hall

• 740-593-9140

• https://www.ohio.edu/equity-civil-rights 

• ECRC is the office of the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the University’s compliance with all Title IX obligations. ECRC also coordinates alternate arrangements for academic, living, employment, or other circumstances during and/or after investigations.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) 

• 348 Baker University Center

• 740-593-2620

• https://www.ohio.edu/university-college/student-accessibility-services

• Any student involved in the sexual misconduct process has the right to request reasonable accommodation to ensure their full and equal participation in this process. Students wishing to request reasonable accommodations should make those requests to Student Accessibility Services. Examples may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpretation, real-time communication access during hearings, large print documents, etc.

Athens Area Resources

My Sister’s Place 

• 1-800-443-3402 (24-hour line)

• https://www.mspathens.org 

• My Sister's Place is a domestic violence agency in Athens, Ohio serving Athens, Hocking, and Vinton Counties, providing 24/7 hotline, outreach counseling, and an emergency shelter.

Athens County Victim Assistance 

• Athens County Court House 1 South Court St., 1st Floor 

• 740-592-3208

• Advocates can answer questions about your rights, obtaining protection orders, or any other concerns related to the criminal justice process.

Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program 

•  55 West Washington Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

• Office Phone: 740-591-4266

• Crisis Phone: 740-591-4266 (then option "0")

• The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program empowers the community and all survivors of sexual violence to live free of sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking.