This section offers resources designed to help you think critically about the organization you're joining (before you join) and if you or someone you know is experiencing hazing, who to contact for advice and/or to report concerns.

Help is available

Hazing isn’t something for you to struggle with alone. Campus resources can provide support and help you determine your options for reporting. Talking with a staff member about your options is an important step in your own self-advocacy and care.

Student Care & Assistance
319.335.1162

University Counseling Services (UCS) 
319.335.7294

Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC) 
319.335.1486

Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence (CIAE)
319-335-3555

Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE)
319-335-3059

Office of Graduate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
319-335-2143

DVIP/RVAP
800-228-1625 (24 hour crisis line)

Office of the Ombudsperson
319-335-3608

UI Crisis and Support Line
844-461-5420

Iowa Veteran Education, Transition, and Support (IVETS)
(319) 384-2626

Help a Friend

You may have a friend who has talked to you about their experiences with hazing and you don’t know what to do next. You may refer them to any of the resources listed above, or encourage them to report (or report yourself). To learn more about your reporting options, visit the Report Hazing section of this website.

This article provides insight into how your friend may be feeling and action steps to suggest as you support them.

What to do if you are being hazed

Report hazing now

  • Stay connected with friends outside of the group. Groups that haze often try to isolate their new members from others who might challenge them to question what they are going through.
  • Talk with others about what you are going through. You do not have to keep it a secret. Demanding secrecy is a common practice designed to protect people who are abusing others. You have a right to talk to anyone about what you are going through, even if you were made to promise that you would not tell. Talking with others may save yourself or others from harm.
  • Seek guidance from your parents/guardian, other family members, trusted friends, or university officials.
  • Refuse to participate. Others before you have done so.
  • Join together with other new members and refuse to be hazed. There is power in numbers.
  • Leave the group. This is hard to do, but it is always an option. Walking away from hazing takes strength. Don't believe it if anyone tries to tell you that it is sign of weakness or that you weren't tough enough. Quitting when you are being hazed takes character, courage, and integrity. There are likely others in the group that will leave with you but need someone to take the first step.
  • Talk to a health care provider or mental health professional to help you sort out what to do.
  • Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of others.