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James Madison University (JMU) has strengthened its commitment to student support by expanding its Victim Advocacy program through a new partnership with the Collins Center, Harrisonburg’s 24/7 sexual assault crisis agency, according to a recent report from WHSV3.
The collaboration ensures that calls to JMU’s advocacy services will now be answered by trained Collins Center staff even outside of university office hours, providing students with round-the-clock access to confidential and compassionate assistance.
JMU’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Tim Miller, said the goal is to make sure students always have someone they can reach out to, regardless of the time or circumstance.
“For years, we’ve worked to do what’s best for our students,” Miller told WHSV3. “We have an incredible team that supports students Monday through Friday, but there’s only so much they can do after hours.”
Miller emphasized that the university’s decision was guided by proactive care rather than reactionary measures.
“We didn’t want to wait for a tragedy before making this change,” he said. “After meaningful conversations with the Collins Center, we agreed to move forward quickly to make sure every student has access to unlimited support when they need it most.”
He added that the partnership reflects JMU’s dedication to building a campus culture centered on empathy, safety, and timely response to students in crisis.
Chad Saylor, JMU’s Associate Director of Media Relations and Deputy University Spokesperson, also shared a statement with WHSV3 reinforcing that advocacy services remain a safe and confidential resource for all students — whether they’re seeking help for a recent experience or one that happened in the past.
“Advocates are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and connect individuals to resources that support healing and empowerment,” Saylor said.
The Collins Center has served the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community for decades, offering a comprehensive range of trauma-informed services for survivors of sexual violence and child abuse. Its programs include 24-hour crisis response, confidential counseling, victim advocacy, prevention education, and community outreach initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of violence and promoting healing.
By partnering with the Collins Center, JMU students now gain immediate access to advocates trained in crisis intervention and survivor support — ensuring that help is always available, even outside the campus setting. The partnership not only strengthens the safety net for students in crisis but also deepens the connection between the university and the broader Harrisonburg community, uniting both in the mission to support survivors with compassion, care, and confidentiality.