Alabama Survivors Fund

At The University of Alabama, a culture of sexual violence has long been tolerated, expected, and even encouraged. The Rape, Incest & Abuse National Network (RAINN) estimates over one in four women will be the victim of sexual violence during her time in college, a risk that triples just by pursuing higher education. These rates are similarly appalling for LGBTQ+ students and students of color. 

Healing from these experiences is often a complicated and expensive journey, with unexpected price tags attached to healthcare, legal representation, and lost wages. It is estimated that each rape costs a victim an average of $122,461 over the course of a lifetime, placing undue economic strain on victims already struggling to stay afloat. 

Without access to this funding, victims often forgo resources critical to their healing. It has been well-documented that victims unable to match the economic stature of their assailants have been largely ignored by Tuscaloosa Police, denying both victims and the larger community of protection from violence. Victims who have been previously intimate with their abuser may be subject to stalking and continued violence if they are unable to finance relocation costs. As a result of their trauma, victims are significantly more likely to experience harmful mental health conditions such as PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, and panic attack disorders. Without receiving adequate therapy, this can result in diminished academic success, and victims may be too traumatized to study, attend classes, or engage in extracurriculars that are beneficial to their careers. Studies have shown that victims are significantly more likely than the average student to lose scholarships, fail/drop out of college, and receive worse grades following assault. This can then place additional economic strain on students financing their own education as well as impact employment options following graduation. At it's worst, the psychological impacts of insufficient care can lead to worsening conditions to the point of hospitalization or suicide. 

The impact sexual violence has over the course of a lifetime is catastrophic, unfair, and extremely painful. There is no sum of money that can fix such a violent negation of an individual's autonomy and humanity. But to some extent, providing economic assistance can help mitigate the worst impacts of sexual violence, giving students a fighting chance to move from "victim" to "survivor."

We believe victims at Alabama deserve to be believed and supported in their time of need. Supporting survivors is not only the right thing to do, but it makes the Capstone a better place. When students are able to meet their full potential, they enrich the lives of the students and faculty around them, and upon graduation, represent UA with pride. 

If you need help with your healing, you can apply for funding here. Students will be prioritized on a needs-based basis.