Back to top

Confidential Resources & Support Confidential resources and independent community-based resources

Applying to American University _ American University, Washington, DC

If you have experienced sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking, discrimination, harassment, or another related concern, confidential support is available. 

Confidential resources can provide a safe space to talk about what happened, explore your options, and receive support without automatically initiating a University investigation or conduct process. You can seek support even if you are not ready to report. 

This page provides information about confidential campus resources and independent community-based resources available to students, employees, and community members.

Depending on the resource, confidential support may include: 

  • Emotional and mental health support 

  • Medical care and referrals 

  • Advocacy and safety planning 

  • Exploring reporting options 

  • Academic, housing, or workplace support 

  • Legal information and assistance 

  • Crisis intervention 

  • Medical forensic examinations 

Confidentiality practices and reporting obligations vary by resource. Before sharing information, you can ask a provider about what they can keep confidential and whether there are circumstances in which they may be required to share information. 

Community-based resources operate independently from American University. You may contact these organizations directly for support, regardless of whether you report to the University or law enforcement

The following resources in the District of Columbia offer information and services to those who have experienced a range of behavior, including discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking. These resources are independent of the University and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University.

The full list of available Medical Support resources can be found on DC Coalition to End Sexual Violence Website.

DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC)

  • 24/7 crisis support  

  • Individual and group counseling  

  • Advocacy services  

  • Services in English and Spanish  

  • 24/7 Hotline: 202-333-7273  

Volare 

  • Free legal services  

  • Case management  

  • Victim advocacy  

DC SAFE 

  • 24/7 crisis intervention  

  • Advocacy  

  • Emergency support services for survivors of domestic violence  

DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

  • Information and referrals  

  • Community resources  

The Women’s Center 

  • Counseling  

  • Education  

  • Support groups  

  • Advocacy services  

DC Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants

  • Victim assistance resources  

  • Crime victim compensation information  

  • Referrals  

The following resources provide support, advocacy, medical services, and information for individuals in Maryland who have experienced or are seeking assistance related to sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, discrimination, and other forms of harm. These organizations operate independently from American University and serve individuals throughout Maryland. Services and availability may vary depending on location and individual needs.

The full list of resources is available on Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Violence Website.

The following resources provide support, advocacy, crisis intervention, medical services, and referrals for individuals in Virginia who have experienced or are seeking assistance related to sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, human trafficking, harassment, and other forms of harm. These organizations operate independently from American University and serve communities throughout Northern Virginia. Services and availability may vary depending on location and individual circumstances.

  • Alexandria, VA: Call Alexandria Sexual Assault Hotline 24/7 at 703-683-7273 (TTY 711) to speak with an advocate and have an advocate accompany you to Inova Fairfax Hospital for a forensic nurse exam 

  • Fairfax County: Call Fairfax Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Hotline 24/7 at 703-324-5730 (TTY 711) to speak with an advocate if you are an adult, teen, and/or child who has been impacted by domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Request accompaniment services for a forensic nurse exam, by calling the Inova Fairfax Hospital hotline directly (703-360-7273) 

  • Arlington, VA: Doorways provides a 24/7 hotline for domestic violence and sexual assualt at 703-237-0881 and provides accompaniment for sexual assualt nurse examiner exams 

The full list of resources is available on Virginia's Department of Social Services Website.

The following resources available nationally that offer information and services to those who have experienced a range of behavior, including discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking. These resources are independent of the University and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University.