Victim Services

Information

Advocacy

Support

What is the role of the Advocate?

The Advocate is called upon to provide emotional support and assistance to the victim(s) of a crime. Advocates provide crisis intervention, immediate support, reporting options, as well as assistance with any problems victims or witnesses may experience because of the crime. The advocate holds confidentiality in high regard and will not release information without the student's consent. The advocate can assist the victim with scheduling emergency health and counseling appointments and assist with completing impact statements, crime compensation forms. Advocates can provide verification of the crime to appropriate university faculty and staff. Advocates are also, familiar with resources and professionals throughout the community and can direct you to an agency or professional best equipped to provide the assistance you may need.

What are some examples of Advocacy Services?
Crisis Intervention
Emotional Support
Evaluation of Reporting and Immediate Safety Options
Information & Referrals
Safety Planning
Accompaniment through medical/legal/administrative processes
Assistance in filing crimes compensation forms
Prevention/Awareness Education Materials

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Is everything confidential?

Yes, except as exempted by Florida State Statute. Advocate and client discussions are private and confidential. This means that the discussion of your concerns is between you and the advocate. The Advocates records are securely maintained separately from other UCF records and transcripts. Your professors and family will not be informed about what you discuss unless you have specifically identified individuals that the Advocate can discuss your situation with by signing a Release of Confidentiality.

What are some examples of Victimization that the Advocate can assist with?
Sexual Assault/Battery, Acquaintance/Date Rape
Dating/Domestic/Relationship Violence
Stalking/Cyber-stalking
Sexual Harassment
Harassment
Hate Crimes
Assault & Battery
Robbery
Identity Theft

Are services available only to students?

No. Advocate Services are available to all members of the UCF community, which includes all full/part-time UCF students, faculty and staff, and for other students who reside in housing units located on UCF Property. Services are also available to university visitors if victimization occurred on any UCF property.

If I am an international student, will I be able to receive services?

Yes. Advocates provide assistance to all currently enrolled UCF students, including international students. Advocates do not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

If my victimization occurred in the past, can the Advocate still help me?

Yes. Advocates are trained to provide services related to both present and past victimizations.

Can Advocates help me if I am in a same gender relationship?

Yes. Our program is a SAFE PLACE. All Advocates are Allies and our program is an ally of the LGBT community and provides services to all members of the UCF community without exception. Advocates do not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

I think I am in an abusive relationship. How can an Advocate help?

Yes. Advocates can help with identifying the qualities of a healthy relationship and the features of an abusive relationship. Oftentimes, actual physical abuse may not be present, but severe emotional abuse is always a part of an abusive relationship. Advocates can help with providing options, support and safety planning whether or not someone is ready to leave an abusive relationship.

I missed an assignment/class due to victimization. Can an Advocate help me?

Yes. Advocates can provide assistance with requesting accommodations from professors in order to help ensure a successful academic term.

Is the Advocate available on nights and weekends?
Yes. Advocates are available 24/7, nights, weekends and holidays for emergencies. However, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, or has severe physical injuries please call 911.

What if I was victimized outside of campus? Can the Advocate still help?
Yes. Advocates provide services to all UCF community members regardless of the location of the victimization.

I am being challenged academically because of a recent victimization. Can the Advocate help?
Yes. Advocates can provide assistance with requesting accommodations from professors in order to help ensure a successful academic term.

I am being stalked and/or harassed by another student but I don’t want to get a restraining order. Can the Advocate help?

Yes. You have options. All students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct as stated in the UCF Student Handbook. A UCF student who violates the UCF Student Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. An advocate can explain the process further and provide assistance if you should choose to file an incident report.

Someone I know is being victimized and it’s affecting me. Can the Advocate help?
Yes. What you are experiencing is known as Secondary Victimization. It is normal to be affected by actual or threatened violence, even if you are not the direct target. This secondary trauma can interfere with normal daily living and effect your concentration.

I have a friend who has been victimized. Can I bring them to see an Advocate to receive services?
Yes. If your friend is a UCF student, they are qualified to receive services at UCF. However, if your friend is not a UCF member, Advocates can meet with your fried and recommend the appropriate community resources. You may also want to consider seeking services since it is normal to be affected by problems that friends and/or relatives are having. This can impact your normal daily living and effect concentration. Advocates can provide services to help with this secondary trauma. Advocates can also provide information and guidance on ways to help your friend if they do not want to meet with the Advocate.

I am a part-time/dual enrolled student. Can I receive services?
Yes. All UCF members, including full and part-time/duel enrolled students, faculty/adjuncts, staff and university visitors are eligible to receive Advocate services.