You are Not Alone

Junior Parrish

(Disclaimer: mentions Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Abusive relationships, etc.)

At Fort Lewis College, you are not alone. Many resources are available to students who are affected by unhealthy or abusive relationships, offering support and guidance in difficult times.

One major resource on campus is Title IX, coordinated by Madiline Gillman, and is located upstairs in the Skyhawk Station.

Inside the Title IX office.

Title IX provides students with supportive measures and reporting options when experiencing a Title IX related incident, said Gillman.

“I think the most important thing for students to know is that there is a community of people here at Fort Lewis that want to help support them.” Gillman said. “My office isn’t just case management.” 

Title IX addresses incidents such as sexual assault, domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, stalking, pregnancies discrimination and other forms of discrimination, Gillman said. 

You can choose between an informal process, where both parties reach an agreement, or a formal process which is investigatory, Gillman said.

 If you prefer not to do either process, you can request a no contact order from Title IX, which prohibits any communication between both parties, Gillman said.

Among the community of supporters, a confidential resource on campus is the Counseling center, located upstairs in Noble Hall.

In the Counseling center, there are informative brochures that go into depth about unhealthy relationships, breaking up, stalking, supporting friends, technology and relationships, and healing sexual assault.

“I hope you can come to the Counseling Center.” Jen Shupe, the director of the Counseling Center said. “We are Confidential.”

These relationships are not easy to recognize, as the good moments often overshadow the bad, Shupe said.

This doesn’t just happen in romantic relationships either. The Counseling center aims to help those who are ready to make a change by helping empower students and encourage them, said Shupe.

Another confidential resource is Alternative Horizons, a non-profit organization that supports survivors of domestic violence in rural La Plata and San Juan Counties.

“We are a safe space,” Liza William, the Diversity and Equity Advocate at Alternate Horizons, said.

She emphasized that individuals don’t need to be in a current abusive relationship to seek their support.

Alternative Horizons can be found on campus at the Phoenix center on Tuesdays and at the G, on Wednesdays, and works with WellPac.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Alternative Horizons will be visiting campus and doing origami making on Oct. 15.

Contact Info:

Title IX:

Phone: 970-852-6699

Email: mgillman@fortlewis.edu

Office: 230 Skyhawk Station

Counseling Center: 

Phone: 970-247-7212

Email: counselingcenter@fortlewis.edu

Location: 260 Noble Hall

Local Crisis Hotline: 970-247-5245

Alternative Horizons: 

Office phone: 970-247-4374

24-hour hotline: 970-247-9619

Email: deadvocate@alternativehorizons.org