Interpersonal Violence

Interpersonal violence occurs when one person uses power and control over another person through physical, sexual, or emotional threats or actions, economic control, isolation, or other kinds of coercive behavior. The most common forms of interpersonal violence experienced by college students are sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. Interpersonal violence can be perpetrated by a partner, ex-partner, acquaintance, or stranger. In most cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim or survivor. Interpersonal violence can occur regardless of a person’s gender identity or expression, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, age, or national origin.

For more information, please visit the following resources:

Spousal/Partner Abuse

Interpersonal Violence Statistics

Surviving Abuse/Assault

Medical and Reporting Resources

If you are a victim of interpersonal violence, possible action steps may include:

• Calling 911 if you are in danger or need immediate medical assistance
• Reporting the assault. If on campus, calling University Safety (417-836-5509); If not on campus, calling 911 for the Springfield Police. Reporting the assault does NOT commit you to filing charges
• Learning more about the Springfield Police Department’s investigative process
• Requesting a sexual assault forensic exam by a trained medical professional through Mercy Emergency Department (417-820-2115) or Cox Emergency Department (North 417-269-3393; South 417-269-4083)
• Seeking non-emergent follow-up care through Magers Health and Wellness and/or the Women’s Clinic (417-836-4000)
• Contacting the MSU Title IX Office (417-836-4252) to file a non-confidential complaint

Support Resources

• The Counseling Center offers free, confidential therapeutic services for MSU students. You may request to be scheduled with the Victim Services and Advocacy Specialist if desired. To schedule an appointment, call 417-836-5116 or email CounselingCenter@MissouriState.edu
• You may call the Counseling Center (417-836-5116) and press zero at any time to speak with a crisis counselor

The Dean of Students Office (417-836-5527) works to provide additional campus support resources to aid in student success

Local Resources