Between 2020 and 2022, TCU’s main campus saw a total of 95 sex offense reports and 58 Violence Against Women Act offenses, according to the TCU 2023 Security Report. The TCU Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE) office is addressing this issue.

The CARE office has a mission to support students impacted by sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking, according to its website.

Leah Carnahan, CARE assistant director, helped form the office in 2016. She serves as a confidential advocate for students who have experienced sexual and domestic harm.

As a confidential advocate, Carnahan is not required to report any information revealed to her by victims as long as they are not an immediate danger to themselves or others. 

Confidentiality makes the CARE office stand apart from other campus resources that require mandatory reporting by emphasizing an environment of trust.

“My favorite part about my job is the impact I have on individual students,” Carnahan said. “There are a few students that I still keep in touch with, and I love to see how they’re thriving in their lives and succeeding.” 

CARE plans for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This April, TCU students can learn more about sexual assault, provide support and discover available resources.

Rachel Porter, a second-year graduate student, interns for the CARE office and helps with benchmark research and programming. 

“I am programming for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, where there will be about three to four events each week, which is the main reason why I was drawn to interning for the CARE office,” Porter said.

CARE’s main events include: “Stand with Survivors,” “Consent and Fries,” “Healing through Art” and “Victory over Violence.”

At these events, students can make essential oils and bracelets, construct care packages, snack on some fries, participate in art therapy and run a 5K to show support for those affected by sexual violence.

“It is important to remember you are not alone, and you don’t have to move forward on your own,” Carnahan said. “You have support, it’s not your fault, and you get the choice in what your path moving forward looks like.”

While sexual assault continues to be an issue among college campuses, CARE is helping to make an impact at TCU.

For more information on CARE’s events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, visit @tcu_care on Instagram or [email protected].