7 Essential Things to Know About Lincoln University's RSVP Center

Lincoln University students participate in the RSVP Center’s “Behind Closed Doors” escape room, held in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) Center at Lincoln University is a key resource dedicated to supporting those affected by dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Under the leadership of Director Victoria McBride, who is also trained as a victim advocate, the RSVP Center provides confidential services and educational programs aimed at fostering a safer and more informed campus environment. During October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the center hosted the groundbreaking "Behind Closed Doors" escape room event to engage students, staff and faculty in understanding the complexities of abusive relationships. 

"This is a monumental step forward in interactive learning and awareness-building," Victoria McBride said. "As the first of its kind, it offers our community a unique perspective on the realities survivors face." 

Read on to discover seven essential things about the RSVP Center's impactful work and resources. 

1. A Trusted Advocate: Victoria McBride

As the director of the RSVP Center, McBride also serves as a trained victim advocate, providing compassionate and confidential support for students, staff and faculty dealing with issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Available for guidance and assistance with safety planning, McBride connects individuals with resources and helps them navigate personal challenges. She can be reached directly at McBrideV@LincolnU.edu. 

2. The Mission: Ending Intimate Partner Violence

The RSVP Center is committed to a campus-wide mission to educate, prevent, and respond to intimate partner violence and related issues. Working with local and campus partners, the center coordinates a comprehensive response to dating and domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking (DVSAS), aiming to better support survivors and hold offenders accountable. This coordinated effort contributes to making Lincoln University a safer, more inclusive environment. 

3. October's Events: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the RSVP Center organized a series of impactful events, including:

• Behind Closed Doors Escape Room: As the first escape room of its kind designed to raise awareness about domestic violence, this event followed the story of a fictional student, "Alex," who faced challenges in an abusive relationship. The immersive experience allowed participants to understand the barriers survivors face and explore ways they could offer support.

The event was a success, with surveys showing: 

• 95.4% of participants felt encouraged to help others in similar situations.
• 95.5% reported an increase in knowledge about support services for those in unhealthy relationships.
• 100% of participants understood the escape room's core message, demonstrating its effectiveness as a learning tool.

"The feedback we've received demonstrates that participants not only learned but feel empowered to make a difference," McBride said.

4. Confidential Services for the Campus Community

The RSVP Center provides confidential assistance to anyone within the Lincoln University community experiencing dating or domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. With services ranging from individual appointments and safety planning to guidance on campus and community resources, the center is a trusted place for confidential support.

5. Interactive Education

Events like the Behind Closed Doors escape room represent the RSVP Center's commitment to innovative, interactive education that raises awareness and empowers the community to take action. Following the event, many participants expressed increased motivation to assist others and use their new knowledge in real-life situations. This approach aligns with the RSVP Center's mission to make Lincoln University a leader in violence prevention education.

6. Lincoln's Coordinated Community Response Team

The RSVP Center collaborates closely with Lincoln's Coordinated Community Response Team, engaging campus and community organizations in a joint effort to provide comprehensive support. This partnership ensures that students, faculty and staff have access to resources and feel empowered to report incidents in a supportive environment. Through educational outreach, the RSVP Center promotes the value of healthy relationships and encourages everyone to play a role in preventing violence on campus.

7. A Vision for a Safe, Inclusive Campus

The RSVP Center's vision is to create a campus where everyone feels safe to learn, live and work free from the threat of violence or harassment. Through innovative programs, advocacy, and partnerships, the center is making strides toward this goal, helping to cultivate a supportive, inclusive environment for all members of the Lincoln community.

For more information on resources, upcoming events or ways to get involved, contact Victoria McBride at McBrideV@LincolnU.edu or call 573-681-5057.

Together, we can work toward a safer, more informed campus where everyone feels respected and supported.