Services

Overview

During COVID-19, we are here for you 24/7. 

While social isolation may be needed to combat pandemics, like the current COVID-19 /  coronavirus outbreak, victim/survivors of intimate partner violence may experience an increased risk while staying home.

Added stress, including but not limited to; financial strain, unemployment, lack of classes, and cutting social ties through isolation may negatively impact survivors and create unsafe circumstances when they are in abusive relationship.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline states, "Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. We know that any external factors that add stress and financial strain can negatively impact survivors and create circumstances where their safety is further compromised.

Abuse is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, an abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19. In a time where companies may be encouraging that their employees work remotely, and the CDC is encouraging “social distancing,” an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control." For more information on how COVID-19 may impact victim/survivors of relationship violence you may click here.

Find support: 

While COVID-19 may disproportionately affect those experiencing intimate partner violence, we also know that other crimes will continue to be perpetrated. Please know that the Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention remains able to support individuals who have experienced any form violence or abuse, regardless of whether it happened on or off campus. If it is safe to do so, contact our office via email at va@usf.edu or by calling our 24/7 Helpline at 813-974-5757.

 

The Center for Victim Advocacy provides free and confidential services to USF students, faculty, and staff who have experienced crime, violence, or abuse, on or off campus. We serve all gender identities and sexual orientations. The role of an advocate is to provide support, explore options, and assist the client with any advocacy needs they may have. 

Crimes Served by the Center for Victim Advocacy:

  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Child Abuse
  • Kidnapping
  • Cybercrime/Identity theft
  • Harassment
  • Stalking
  • Hate Crime
  • Sexual Battery
  • Domestic Violence/Relationship Violence
  • Robbery/Burglary
  • Secondary Victimization
  • Other Crimes

Our services are tailored to meet an individual's needs and requests and may include:

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Emotional Support
  • Personal and Systems Advocacy
  • Court Accompaniment
  • Campus Proceedings accompaniment
  • Information, Options, and Referrals
  • Victim Helpline
  • Safety Planning
  • Victim Response Training
  • Assistance filing:
    • Police Report
    • Title IX Report
    • Student Rights and Responsibilities Report
  • Injunction for Protection
  • Crime Victim's Compensation Claim

 

Want more information? Access our Guide for Victims of Sexual Assault & Harassment; Domestic, Relationship & Dating Violence; Stalking here