Violence Intervention Assistant (VIA) Program

What is VIA?

The Violence Intervention Assistant program (VIA) was created to bridge the gap between trained advocates and the broader campus community. By offering a more basic training to a larger and more widespread population, the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program is able to connect more victims with the support and resources that they needed.

The three main goals of the VIA program are:
1. for victims to feel supported and heard
2. to connect victims with appropriate resources as quickly as possible
3. to create a cultural shift to a violence-free community

How Do I Become a Violence Intervention Assistant

In order to become VIA certified, each person must undergo a two-day training (approximately 12 hours total) providing them with introductory knowledge about, but not limited to: sexual violence and rape, relationship violence, stalking, the mental health consequences of trauma, the medical consequences of trauma, basic crisis intervention and helping skills. Information about the resources and services available on campus and in the community is also covered.

Upon successful completion of training and receipt of VIA Certification, there will be a plethora of opportunities for the newly trained to join other VIAs and members of Sexual Assault Response and Preventive Program in providing further awareness to the community through peer dialogues, speaking opportunities and other events. Once certified, VIAs can continue to be "active" by engaging in the following:

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