About 1,600 freshmen began their fall semester at the University of Wyoming this week. For many of them, it’s their first time away from home, and they’ll be exploring new relationship dynamics.
Megan Selheim is the new STOP Violence program coordinator. Her office works to help people on campus who are affected by sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking.
She says some perpetrators might target young students who seem vulnerable, and try to isolate them. Selheim recommends that students maintain social connections.
“If you’re out with friends, stick together, whether that means everybody stay at the party a little longer than they want to, or everyone leaves a little earlier than they want to. If you know someone who just started dating another person and it seems like they’re starting to disappear off the radar, do what you can to maintain that contact. Invite them to come out, stop by their place to say hey, call them regularly just to try and maintain some connection.”
Selheim says anyone who needs help, or just wants more information, can contact her office on campus.