Recognized in September
September marks National Campus Safety Month (NCSAM), a time recognized nationally and by UNC to raise awareness, promote prevention, and highlight resources available at Carolina to build a safer community, together.
Creating a safer Carolina is a shared responsibility. It doesn’t fall to any one person, group, or department – we all have a role. That shared commitment is at the heart of It Takes All Heels, Carolina’s violence prevention campaign. The campaign encourages every member of our community to recognize how their actions can contribute to a safer, more supportive Carolina for everyone.
Violence prevention includes building communities where people feel connected and supported, recognizing when someone’s behavior or circumstances may be concerning, understanding how to safely intervene or reach out, and knowing where to turn for support.
That can look different from one situation to the next. It might mean checking in with a friend who seems to be struggling It might mean noticing a situation that feels off at a party, on game day, or during class, or reaching out when you’re concerned about someone’s behavior. It can also involve making sure a friend knows where to find support and reminding them that they don’t have to navigate a difficult experience alone.
Learn more about violence prevention at UNC and ways to get involved.
Be that tar heel who…
- Be That Tar Heel who pays attention. Notice changes in behavior, concerning interactions, or situations that don’t feel right. You don’t have to know exactly what’s happening to recognize that something may need attention.
- Be that Tar Heel who checks in. “Are you okay?” can open the door for someone to share what they’re experiencing. Listen without judgment and let them decide what support feels helpful for them.
- Be that Tar Heel who knows how to help. Learn about campus and community resources before you need them. Knowing where to turn can help make it easier to connect yourself or someone else with support when a concern arises.
- Be that Tar Heel who considers their options. There isn’t one right way to intervene. Depending on the situation, you might address something directly, create a distraction, ask someone else for help, check in afterward, or contact a resource.
- Be that Tar Heel who helps create community. Looking out for each other isn’t limited to concerning situations or moments of crisis. Building communities where people feel connected, respected, and comfortable talking about safety is part of violence prevention, too.