Interpersonal Violence is a term used to describe sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. These forms of interpersonal violence are the most common forms of violence that college students experience. Interpersonal violence can occur in different types of relationship and is often committed by a dating partner, friend, acquaintance, roommate, or ex-partner. In most cases of interpersonal violence, the person engaging in violent behavior is known to the victim or survivor.
Here at UNC Charlotte we want each student to be safe and help keep their fellow 49ers safe. If you would like more information about how to get help or resources on and off-campus, check out the information on this website.
Is when one partner uses abusive behavior to assert power and control over the other. Abusive behaviors may include verbal, emotional, financial, physical, and/or sexual abuse.
Is any non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature, including but not limited to, kissing, groping, fondling, or rape. UNC Charlotte has a newly revised Code of Student Responsibility that includes definitions and policies regarding sexual assault, harassment, and consent.
Is a course of conduct (two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties [by any action, method, device, or means] follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about an individual, or interferes with an individuals property) directed at a specific individual that would cause a reasonable individual (under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim) to (a) fear for their safety or the safety of others or (b) suffer Substantial Emotional Distress. For more information about stalking and the signs to look for, visit the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) at https://www.stalkingawareness.org/
An affirmative decision by all participants to engage in mutually acceptable sexual activity. Consent means unambiguous, clear, knowing, and voluntary approval given by words or demonstrated actions to engage in sexual activity. This decision must be made freely and actively by all participants. If any confusion or ambiguity on the issue of Consent arises at any time during the sexual activity, each participant must stop and clarify from the other participant(s) a willingness to continue. Silence, passivity, or lack of resistance does not imply Consent. A previous relationship or prior participation in a sexual activity between the participants does not indicate current Consent. Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply Consent to other forms of sexual activities Consent to engage in sexual activity with one person does not imply Consent to engage in sexual activity with another person. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol does not relieve ones responsibility to obtain Consent.
- is forced, threatened, pressured, intimidated, manipulated, involuntarily physically restrained or confined, coerced, isolated, or beaten or has reasonable fear that he/she or another will be injured if he/she does not submit to or engage in the sexual activity;
- is unable to give Consent or is prevented from resisting sexual activity because he or she is asleep, unconscious, unaware that sexual activity is occurring, or incapacitated (physical and/or mental inability to make informed, rational judgments and/or decisions) due to drugs or alcohol or some other medical condition;
- has a mental or physical disability that inhibits his or her ability to give Consent to sexual activity; or
- is below the age of consent according to Article 7A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE GUIDE
If you have been the victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the guide will provide you with information on what to do and how University and community resources can assist you.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Communication is a key part to building a healthy relationship. The first step is making sure you both want and expect the same things -- being on the same page is very important. Learn more about how to create and maintain a health relationship.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If you or someone you know has been affected by Interpersonal Violence, such as sexual assault or relationship violence, help is available. These campus and community resources may be of assistance to you.