About Us >Our Philosophy

SAPAC is committed to fulfilling our vision in a culturally-competent, empowering, and empathic way. We serve women and men of all racial, ethnic, religious, class backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender and social identities.

SAPAC promotes social change and activism on two levels: through the professional services we provide to the University of Michigan community, and through student leadership development wherein students help students as peers. We believe that women and men must work together to eradicate sexual/physical violence and that this necessitates activism in many areas, including education, advocacy, therapy, safety-building, and policy development. We believe that survivors are not to be blamed for the violence perpetrated against them. Thus, we strive to facilitate an empowering, safe atmosphere that helps survivors to help themselves.

SAPAC uses a feminist approach to services. We believe in providing as much information and support as possible to individuals who seek our assistance, and in allowing each person the opportunity to make her/his own decisions. We perform our services without judgment or bias. Our advocacy is on behalf of the survivor of violence and is guided by and centered on each survivor's needs and choices. Services and programs we provide focus on the needs of University of Michigan students and their partners/spouses, and staff and faculty in the University community. All services are confidential and free of charge.

 

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