Combating Gender-Based Violence Student Toolkit
There are more than 1 million international students who have come to the United States, and we want each of you to have an enriching and empowering academic journey. With that said, we recognize that language differences, cultural differences, and potential unfamiliarity with U.S. laws and processes can create additional challenges for international students who experience gender-based violence while studying in the United States.
Gender-based violence, or GBV, includes, but is not limited to:
- Sexual harassment (including sexual violence);
- Domestic or dating violence, including technological abuse; and
- Stalking.
The U.S. government and campuses have made progress in preventing and addressing GBV on U.S. campuses. The Department of Homeland Security’s Council for Combating Gender-Based Violence and the Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education want to make sure you know your rights and the responsibilities of your school and law enforcement if you see or experience GBV.
This information is intended to help you, as an international student:
- Understand what GBV is;
- Know what to do if you see or experience or GBV while attending a U.S. college or university, including how to report it;
- Know about on-campus and off-campus resources; and
- Be familiar with immigration options you might have if you are a victim of GBV.
Resources
The content in this toolkit was prepared for college and university students, but it may also help international students at U.S. high schools. These pages are not intended to address questions that spouses or children of international students may have, though they may find the resources included to be helpful.
This toolkit is intended to provide general information. It does not provide legal definitions or advice It does include a list of references and links to both U.S. government and non-U.S. government resources and organizations that may be helpful. Please note that links to non-U.S. government sites are provided for information only and do not represent an endorsement in any way.