In 2021, Binghamton University opened the doors to the Violence, Abuse and Rape Crisis Center (VARCC), a new resource on campus aiming to help students report instances of sexual violence.

BU President Harvey Stenger first announced in the fall of 2020 that the VARCC would be created after students demanded better access to sexual assault reporting services on campus. It is located on the third floor of Old Johnson Hall, with hours posted on the VARCC website: https://www.binghamton.edu/centers/varcc. The VARCC connects students with a number of campus resources, such as the Office of Student Conduct, Residential Life, Binghamton’s New York State University Police (UPD), a sexual assault advocate and more.

The VARCC also offers a safe space for survivors of interpersonal violence where students can receive support after incidents of sexual violence. According to the website, the safe space is an area in the VARCC where students can use art supplies, talk to students who have similar experiences and be together in a relaxed environment.

Anna Jantz, the case management coordinator for the Consultation, Advocacy, Referral and Education (CARE) team and a VARCC staff member, wants students to know that the VARCC is dedicated to helping students that come to them in need of assistance.

“As a new resource, one of our biggest first steps is for students to know that the [VARCC] exists and is here to help,” Jantz wrote. “The VARCC is a collaboration of a number of resources such as the CARE team, the University Counseling Center [(UCC)], Crime Victims Assistance Center [(CVAC)] and Title IX. Although these resources have been around for many years, the VARCC helps us serve students in a more interconnected way. Right now the VARCC is working to make the space as warm and friendly as possible with new student art.”

Students can request an appointment with the VARCC through filling out an online appointment form on the “Contact” page of its website (hyperlink for online article: https://www.binghamton.edu/centers/varcc/contact.html). On the form, students can select which resources they would like to find out more about or get in contact with. Students looking for a consultation may contact the CARE Team via phone, Zoom or email.

According to BingUNews (hyperlink for online article: https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/2890/binghamton-university-establishing-violence-abuse-and-rape-crisis-center), the VARCC is a singular place for students to report incidents of sexual violence. By coordinating services, the VARCC hopes to lessen the trauma that comes with repeating their story to multiple offices.

“The VARCC’s work is centered in empowerment,” Jantz wrote. “We believe that students should be able to know their options so they can make the best decisions for themselves. No matter if a student goes through a formal reporting process or not there is support for them. All those who have been impacted by interpersonal or sexual violence deserve respect and care.”

If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, harassment or anything related, the CVAC and the VARCC are available resources. CVAC is located at 377 Robinson St. in Binghamton, and can be reached by phone at (607) 722-4256 for a 24/7 crisis support line or by texting (607) 725-8196. CVAC services are also available at the VARCC office, which is located on the third floor of Old Johnson Hall and can be reached by phone at (607) 777-3010.

More information about the VARCC can be found on its website.