Sexual and relationship violence is a pervasive problem on university and college campuses in the United States that continues to garner growing national attention. Pat Walker Health Center has strongly recognized the serious and negative impacts sexual and relationship violence have on the campus community.

Over the years, the health center's STAR Central office has championed and enhanced comprehensive intervention, response and support strategies to better address this public health crisis.

From award-winning programs and events, to leading national efforts to help campuses take a trauma-informed approach to addressing such violence; the importance of enhancing impactful programs and resources is critical to the university efforts.

As a result of the health center's expansion to increase access to health and wellness programs, Pat Walker Health Center has been fortunate to ensure its key offices and departments have adequate space to validate their presence on campus.

As such, Pat Walker Health Center is excited to build off STAR Central's long history of success and introduce its newest facility, the Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center.

"We are so very pleased to introduce this enhanced resource to our campus community," said Mary Alice Serafini, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and executive director for the health center. "The addition of the SRVC is yet another impactful step we have made to reinforce the university's commitment against sexual and relationship violence"

The new space ­— replacing the Wellness Center located in the Garland Parking Garage shops — offers the campus community a visible and dedicated space for survivors of sexual and relationship violence. During the Fall semester, the space underwent renovations to increase safety, confidentiality and office space for providing advocacy services and outreach efforts.

"We want survivors of sexual and relationship violence to know that this space is for them," Serafini said. "We want survivors to find community where they belong and where they are valued."

While the health center will retire the STAR Central brand, the program's successes and objectives will continue through the new center. Community members now have one place where they know they can go or send people to on a regular basis and as needed.

The Sexual and Relationship Violence Center — which is different than the office of Title IX — strengthens the health center's efforts to further partner with other university offices and departments to be involved in prevention and response efforts.

"It's not enough to have the services if students don't know about them. Creating this center provides an opportunity for us to offer a single-entry point for students seeking assistance and information," said Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, director of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center. "The newly dedicated space provides a warm and comfortable environment and makes it much easier for students to identify where to come."

In addition to offering a dedicated space for advocacy services, the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center also provides the award-winning peer education group RESPECT with additional space to host various educational and awareness events that address and speak out against sexual assault and relationship violence.

Celebrate Campus' Newest Education and Resource Center

Pat Walker Health Centers' Sexual and Relationship Violence Center will hold an open house from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at its office in Suite 113 on 640 N. Garland Ave.

The event will include remarks from university leaders and give the campus community an opportunity to tour the facility. Light refreshments will also be provided.

About Pat Walker Health Center: Pat Walker Health Center supports students along their academic journey by providing efficient and convenient access to quality medical care, mental health care, and wellness and health promotion programs and services. The health center strives to enrich the academic and personal development of students by creating an inclusive environment that promotes positive behavior and lifestyle changes. Pat Walker Health Center is a department of the Division of Student Affairs.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.