Resources

🛡️ Community Safety & Support Resources

Hey everyone, I want to share a few important reminders and resources for our ESC community.

One of the things we value about this community is that we care for one another. At the same time, some situations are bigger than what a friend or fellow student should be expected to handle on their own. It is okay, and often important, to help someone connect with people who are trained to provide the support they need.

💜 Sexual Assault Support — RAINN

If someone reaches out to you about sexual assault or sexual violence, you can encourage them to contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Call: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Text: HOPE to 64673
Website: https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/

RAINN provides confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

🧡 SHSU Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution

Students can also contact the Sam Houston State University Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution Officefor information, resources, and reporting options.

Phone: (936) 294-3080
Email: titleix@shsu.edu
Website: https://www.shsu.edu/offices-departments/title-ix/
Reporting Information: https://www.shsu.edu/offices-departments/title-ix/reporting/

You do not have to investigate a situation or try to solve it yourself. Helping someone connect with appropriate resources is often one of the best ways you can support them.

🔒 A Few Online-Safety Reminders

  • Be cautious about meeting someone you have only met online.

  • If you decide to meet, bring a friend and meet in a public place.

  • Avoid moving the meeting to a private or isolated location, especially if you do not know the person well.

  • If someone is using Discord in a way that feels inappropriate, manipulative, suspicious, or like possible catfishing, you are allowed to set boundaries and block them.

  • You can offer someone appropriate resources without becoming personally responsible for resolving their situation.

  • If something involving our Discord community makes you uncomfortable or concerned, please reach out to me or one of the ESC leaders.

Caring for someone does not mean you have to handle everything yourself. Sometimes the most caring thing we can do is connect someone with the right resources while also maintaining healthy and appropriate boundaries.

Please continue looking out for one another and helping us keep the ESC a welcoming and safe community. ❤️