SEXUAL DECISION MAKING
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The Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling by professional counselors and clinical psychologists. In addition, workshops and outreach programs are also offered to enhance a student's well being and academic performance. To assist students in taking advantage of the tremendous opportunities for personal and intellectual growth that college life offers, the Counseling Center enables students to develop effective tools for overcoming obstacles to their academic progress while examining personal and intellectual strengths, weaknesses, and learning skills. For a complete overview and description of services browse their web site at http://www.gmu.edu/departments/csdc/ and explore the links below for specific topical resources.
The Pride Alliance is an organization for people of all genders and sexual orientations. Its goal is to provide a confidential and safe space for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community by promoting education and resources and fostering respect for diversity. Beyond being a student organization, the Pride Alliance has resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) students and others who might be questioning, confused, or simply just interested in learning more. To get in touch with the Pride Alliance, access the web site at http://www.gmu.edu/org/pride/.
Individual Counseling assists students in resolving issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, anger, sexuality, relationships, discrimination, and alcohol and drug use that may contribute to emotional distress and interfere with personal and academic success. Visit http://www.gmu.edu/departments/csdc/ind.htm.
The Office of Health Education Services offers interactive health-related sessions for the entire George Mason community including students, faculty, resident assistants, and peer advisors. Health Education Services delivers health-related information to the George Mason University community through awareness education and skills building activities. Health Education Services encourages people to maintain healthy behavior and/or to modify current unhealthy behavior in addition to serving as public health messengers. Topics include, but are not limited to, STD’s and HIV/AIDS, Negotiating Relationships, and Substance Abuse. Visit (http://www.gmu.edu/student/health/serv01.htm) for details.
The University and Sexual Assault Services encourages all members of the University community to be aware of both the consequences of sexual assault and the options available to survivors. Sexual assault is a serious, violent crime and a flagrant violation of university standards. As such, it will not be tolerated. Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault and the great majority of sexual assaults involve acquaintances and incidents of acquaintance rape are especially prevalent on college campuses. For information on services available visit the web site at http://www.sexualassaultservices.gmu.edu/.
Student Health Services provides all currently enrolled students high quality health care offering confidential health services targeted at components of diagnosis, treatment, self-care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Specific services on sexual decision-making are available including emergency contraception, HIV antibody testing, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infections. Find out more on http://www.gmu.edu/student/hcs/service.html. <back to top>
The Alexandria Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA) Program offers services for sexual assault (i.e. rape, attempted rape, fondling, indecent exposure, etc.) survivors and their family and friends; sexual harassment victims; and women and men of any age (English or non-English speaking). Trained volunteers and staff are available 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention and emotional support; advocacy with medical, police, and court systems; short-term individual and group counseling; and information and referrals. Call the SARA Program office at (703) 683-7273 Voice/TTY or visit the website at http://ci.alexandria.va.us/oow/pgm/about_sara.html.
The Office of Family Health Services (OFHS) is the largest of the 10
offices in the Virginia Department of Health. It consists of some 50
programs, including Abstinence and Preventive Health. OFHS assesses the
health needs of the commonwealth, and assists individuals, families and
communities in becoming as healthy by promoting good health habits. For
general information on programs and links to other resources visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/MenuOps/VDHprograms.asp.
For links to local offices, see below.
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Alexandria Health Department (www.alexhealth.com).
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Arlington Department of Human Services (http://www.co.arlington.va.us/departments/HumanServices/HumanServicesMain.aspx).
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Fairfax County Department of Health and Human Services (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/healthhuman/).
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Loudoun County Health Department (http://www.loudoun.gov/depts/health.htm).
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Prince William County Health Department (http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=040028).
The Sexual Assault Victims' Advocacy Service (SAVAS) is the Sexual Assault/Abuse Crisis Center for Prince William County, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, Virginia. SAVAS serves both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities and all services are free of charge to survivors and their families. SAVAS is dedicated to survivors of sexual assault and to ending sexual assault in the community and provides a safe environment in order to encourage survivors of rape and sexual abuse to come forward. For assistance and information visit http://savasofpwc.org.
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (VSDVAA) is a non-profit agency dedicated to raising awareness about sexual and domestic violence. By increasing public access to resources and services, offering opportunities for professional development, and initiating legislative and policy change, VSDVAA hopes to bring Virginia closer to a world where relationships between people are respectful, healthy, and safe. A wide variety of print resources for survivors, service providers, and allied professionals is available at http://www.vsdvalliance.org/. <back to top>
The Center for Young Women's Health recognizes the urgent need for education, clinical care, research, and health care advocacy for young women. Children's Hospital of Boston has created the Center for Young Women's Health as an international and collaborative effort committed to improving the health and well being of adolescent girls with the creation of this center. Learn about research projects and health care provider education, explore clinical services, and visit the Resource Center online at http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/making.html.
Sexual Decision Making Guide helps to answer the question, “Are you ready for sex?” When it comes to deciding readiness for sex, there are several important factors to consider. Becoming sexually active is an important event in anyone's life. Making that decision requires careful thought, planning, consideration of all the facts, and most importantly, doing what one feels best. Not everyone chooses to become sexually active. Choosing not to have sex or choosing to have sex is a personal choice. For information to assist in this process, visit http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwhea/decision.htm.
Go Ask Alice! (GAA) is a health Q&A Internet service. It works to provide readers with reliable, accessible information and a range of thoughtful perspectives so that they can make responsible decisions concerning their sexual health and well being. See http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu.
Planned Parenthood believes in the fundamental right of each individual to manage his or her fertility, regardless of income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. Planned Parenthood strives to provide comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services; to advocate for these rights and ensure access to such services; to provide educational programs which enhance understanding of individual and societal implications of human sexuality; to promote research and the advancement of technology in reproductive health care, and encourage understanding of their inherent bioethical, behavioral, and social implications. See this web site for a variety of different services, perspectives and resources on sexual decision-making. See http://www.plannedparenthood.org.
Planned Parenthood-Sexual Decision-Making Guide. This site helps individuals in their decision-making around whether they are ready for sex, sexual relationships, sexual situations, and other considerations. See http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/sexualhealth/pub-teen-sex-ready.xml.
The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization operating the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE that carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims, and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. Inside, you'll find statistics, counseling resources, prevention tips, news and more. Click on http://www.rainn.org/ for more information.
The Sexual Assault Survivor’s Handbook is a support resource developed by Virginia Commonwealth University and is available by clicking on http://www.students.vcu.edu/health/sasa/.
SEX, ETC. is a peer written information resource on teen sexual health issues. SEX, ETC. is the major component of the National Teen-to-Teen Sexuality Education Project developed by the Network for Family Life Education, a nonprofit organization that provides resources, advocacy, training, and technical assistant in support of balanced, comprehensive sexuality education in the United States. For more information and to read articles visit http://sexetc.org/.
The Sexual Health Network is dedicated to providing easy access to sexuality information, education, mutual support, counseling, therapy, healthcare, products and other resources including people with disabilities, illness, or natural changes throughout the lifecycle and those who love them or care for them. See http://www.sexualhealth.com/
WebMD Health is a consumer-focused healthcare information web site whose
mission is to be an objective, credible and trusted source of consumer
healthcare information that helps people play an active role in managing
their own health. At WebMD Health, consumers can access health and wellness
news, support communities, interactive health management tools and more.
Online communities allow consumers to participate in real-time discussions
with experts and with other people who share similar health conditions
or concerns. To access information on sexual health visit http://my.webmd.com/webmd_today/home/default. < back
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