Central Michigan Life

Survivors of sexual aggression can now receive counseling online as well as by phone.

The Sexual Assault Peer Advocates has created SAPA Chat, an Internet correspondence between students and group members that meets from 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday.

Visitors log on to the SAPA Web site, www.sapa.cmich.edu, and then are directed to SAPA Chat link, which allows them to communicate with a trained peer advocate through AOL Instant Messenger.

There is no cost to participate in the SAPA Chat.

“We hope that providing another avenue and increasing availability to SAPA’s services will benefit students, whether they just need to talk about their experience or would like to be pointed in the direction of other campus and community services – such as the counseling center, Planned Parenthood,” said Comstock Park senior Laura Bantle, a SAPA member.

Bantle said some students are unwilling or unable to telephone the SAPA Crisis Line and the online function is designed for those students.

Students unwilling to use their online screen names can create different names when talking to SAPA members, she said.

Sexual Aggression Services Coordinator Stephen Thompson said SAPA Chat also provides those who are hearing impaired with access to counseling.

There is no limit to how many students can log on at one time, he said, and at least four SAPA members will be available during the chat.

“I think that once the word gets out, it will be extremely helpful to survivors and friends,” Thompson said. “It is the first of its kind nationally, so we are not completely sure what will happen.”

The designated hours were selected as a test time, he said. As the demand to communicate with SAPA members online increases, the hours will be evaluated.

“It is important that users know that it is 100 percent confidential and the SAPAs are the best, most highly trained student advocates in the country,” Thompson said.

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