How SARNCO Supports Survivors on Ohio State’s Campus
In navigating the challenges that survivors of sexual assault face, having a trusted ally can make a significant difference. Eliza Sabo, campus advocacy coordinator with the OhioHealth Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO), embodies that support.
Sabo's office, within Ohio State's grounds, is a refuge for survivors and co-survivors alike. Unlike university-employed staff, it isn’t mandatory for her to report cases to Ohio State’s Title IX office. This distinction allows them to provide confidential assistance to students, faculty, staff, families of survivors and campus visitors.
“It’s kind of a weird spot to be in, like on the margin, but it’s perfect because it means I can truly advocate for and serve survivors and co-survivors,” Sabo said in an interview with NBC4 reporter Sara Szilagy.
Over the past five years, SARNCO's campus advocacy program has extended its support beyond student counseling. Sabo takes on many roles, from lending a listening ear to survivors to actively engaging in campus initiatives to raising awareness about sexual assault. Recently, she participated in a suicide prevention event, highlighting the connection between mental health and the trauma of sexual assault.
Sabo’s time as campus advocate has exposed them to the many nuances of grappling with sexual assault. She offers logistical support, facilitates access to resources from food to mental health care and helps survivors find their path to justice.
“Every decision is a difficult decision after you’ve been assaulted,” Sabo told NBC4.
She has helped undergraduates seek guidance on sharing their trauma with family or partners and graduate students navigate the balance between academics and recovery.
Faculty members, too, approach Sabo with unique concerns. They have helped faculty who have experienced assault on campus in addressing worries about their reputation. Academia is a “small world,”she said, with tight knit communities.
“When I talk to faculty, their concern isn’t just about this campus community, but ‘If I leave, if I report, if I seek justice for what happened to me, how will that impact me here at Ohio State? And if I were to leave to go to another university, how will that continue to impact me when I try to publish, when I try to apply?’” Sabo told NBC4.
And her commitment extends beyond survivors themselves to co-survivors - those who stand by someone who was assaulted. From sorority sisters seeking guidance to parents dealing with their child's trauma from afar, Sabo offers support and guidance.
“People come to me and say, ‘How can I help this person? Because I don’t know if I’m doing a good job, I don’t know if I’m saying the right things, I want to help them,’” Sabo said. “By the time we’re done talking, we have talked about that. But I usually start with, ‘How are you doing? This is a lot of stress on you, right?’”
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, there are resources available.
OhioHealth SARNCO 24-hour sexual assault helpline: 844-644-6435
SARNCO aftercare advocacy: 614-788-4739
SARNCO OSU campus advocacy: 614-688-2518
To learn more about SARNCO, click here.
