Preventing Violence at Carolina
There’s no sugarcoating it – violence happens in communities like ours. It can occur on- and off-campus in a variety of spaces – residence halls, classrooms, group chats, parties, and bars. Violence happens in moments when someone uses power or control to harm others.
Prevention is not only possible, but it’s already happening. As Tar Heels, we all have a role in building a safer, more supportive Carolina.
Carolina’s new “It Takes All Heels” campaign empowers everyone at UNC – students, faculty, staff, and visitors to Carolina — to recognize early signs of concern, know where to turn to for help, and to support one another. By shifting prevention from isolated responses to shared responsibility, we’re building a culture where every Tar Heel plays a role in campus safety. Here’s how you can keep being a part of preventing violence at Carolina:
Recognize Harm
Violence isn’t always physical. When you recognize harm, you’re already disrupting it. Learn to spot red flags such as:
- Someone isolating their partner from friends or making all the decisions
- Coercion, manipulation, or pressuring someone sexually
- Jokes or memes that demean people based on race, gender, sexuality, or disability
- Bystanders staying silent when someone’s being harassed
- Posting indirect or direct threats of violence
Trust Your Gut — and Act
If something feels off, it probably is. Even small interruptions can help prevent harm, and there are often different opportunities to intervene in ways that also keep you and others safe.
- Direct: “Hey, that’s not cool.” “Are you okay?”
- Distract: Change the subject, spill a drink, pull someone aside.
- Delegate: Call a friend, a bartender, an advisor, or campus safety.
Talk With Your People
Conversations shape culture. What you say and don’t say makes a difference. Initiate conversations with your friends about safety. What can you do to help each other feel safer? What plan can you create before you go out together? How do you know if you have consent from someone? How do you share that you’re concerned about your roommate’s relationship? How can you support each other through difficult times?
Support Others
When someone shares that they’ve experienced violence or a difficult situation, validate their emotions and offer support. For example:
- “Thank you for sharing with me. I’m here for you.”
- “Is there anything you can think of right now that would feel helpful?”
- “Would you like me to find some more information about support and resources available?”
Knowing the resources that exist on campus and in our community can make a big difference in helping others – students often turn to their friends, roommates, and peers when they are navigating concerns.
Learn More, Do More
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) offers training, events and programming about bystander intervention, consent, healthy relationships, supporting others, and campus safety such as:
- Be That Tar Heel – a 60 minute training to recognize and respond to behaviors that may signal harm. Learn how everyday actions can prevent harm.
- Empower UNC: Responding to Disclosures — a 90 minute training that equips students and employees with information, resources, and strategies to respond to disclosures of harassment, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, and stalking in an informed and compassionate way.
Attend on your own, with a group of friends, or request a program for your group.
You Matter Here
It isn’t possible to predict every concerning situation you might encounter – but knowing your resources, strengthening your intervention skills, and learning how to support others in our community can help empower you in moments that matter. Taking everyday steps can make a big difference in helping others. Together we can prevent violence – one action, one connection, one Tar Heel at a time.