Do you offer virtual services?
Yes, we can meet in person or via Zoom. We also have three office locations for your convenience!
What are my rights as a victim of crime?
You have rights as a victim of crime under several Florida statutes. See our brochures for more information about your rights. You can always reach out to us to learn more and understand your rights.
Do you have an affiliated Registered Student Organization?
Yes! Knight Advocates is a pre-professional organization for exploring different careers in the field of advocacy. Please contact knightadvocates@gmail.com or find Knight Advocates UCF on Facebook for more information.
Do I have to report to the police if I come to Victim Services?
No, you do not have to report to the police but we do encourage anyone impacted by crime, violence or abuse to contact the police. Confidential victim advocates can discuss all your disclosure and reporting options and will support you in the choices you make based upon your individual situation and needs.
Are your services free?
Yes. We provide all services free of charge.
Will you protect my confidentiality?
Yes, with limited exceptions. Under Florida law, we must report to authorities if:
- A client discloses he/she is a minor (under 18)
- A judge subpoenas the program to release information to the court
- A client expresses homicidal or suicidal intent
- We receive knowledge that a minor (under 18), elder, or person with an intellectual disability is at risk for abuse
Our records are securely maintained separately from other UCF records and transcripts. Your professors, friends, and family will not be informed about what you tell us unless you have specifically identified individuals with whom the advocate can discuss your situation by signing a Release of Information.
Does Victim Services provide mental health counseling?
No. We provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and practical assistance. For mental health counseling needs, please call UCF Counseling and Psychological Services at (407) 823-2811 or ask an advocate for a referral to a community organization.
Are there internship/volunteer opportunities with UCF Victim Services?
Yes. Our intern application process occurs in March/April to place interns for the following school year. Please refer to the “Volunteer” tab for more information.
How do I contact Victim Services if I have been impacted by crime, violence, or abuse?
You can call our 24/7 hotline at (407) 823-1200 to speak with a confidential advocate or you can text (407)823-6868.
Where is your office?
Our main office is located just off campus in Research Park at the intersection of Research Parkway and Technology Drive (12201 Research Parkway, Suite 450, Orlando, FL 32826). We are in the University Tower/College of Nursing Building on the 4th floor.
Our on-campus office is located in the Student Health Center, Orange Pod (on the second floor).
Our downtown campus office is located inside the UCF Police Department (398 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL, 32801).
What should I do if someone sexually assaulted me?
You can call our 24/7 hotline at (407) 823-1200 to speak with a confidential advocate who can provide information about all your options, you can also contact an advocate via text at (407)823-6868. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or has serious injuries, please call 911. You can also learn more by visiting the “Need Help” tab.
One of my students gave me a letter of support from UCF Victim Services. How should I respond?
A student experiencing academic difficulty due to a traumatic victimization often does not know how to present the situation to a professor. Students that are actively working with a victim advocate may be offered a letter to help start the conversation with you regarding opportunities for any accommodation that you may we willing to consider. We encourage professors to listen thoughtfully and consider extending academic consideration to students in these situations.
For more information on assisting students in crisis and how victimization can affect academic performance, please visit the “How to Help” tab.
What is the role of an advocate?
We provide emotional support, options, practical assistance, advocacy, and education to anyone impacted by crime, violence, or abuse. Advocates will explain your options, assist you in whatever choices you make, and connect you to appropriate campus and community resources.
What types of services do you provide?
- Crisis intervention
- Emotional support
- Safety planning
- Reporting options
- Information and referrals
- Accompaniment through medical/legal/administrative processes
- Assistance in filing crimes compensation forms
- Prevention/awareness education
What are some examples of victimization, crime, violence, and abuse?
- Sexual assault/sexual battery/rape
- Dating/domestic/relationship violence and abuse
- Stalking/technology-assisted stalking (cyberstalking)
- Sexual harassment
- Harassment
- Hate crimes
- Assault and battery
- Robbery
- Identity theft
Are services available only to students?
Our services are available to all members of the UCF community, including UCF students, faculty, staff, visitors to campus, and other students who reside in affiliated housing.
If I am an international student, non-traditional student, or member of another student subpopulation, can I receive services?
Yes. We provide assistance to all currently enrolled UCF students. Advocates do not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
If I identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and/or if I'm in a same-gender relationship, can I receive services?
Yes. Our program offers confidentiality to all our clients and our services are available to all our community members.
If my victimization occurred in the past, can an advocate still help me?
Yes. We provide services related to both present and past victimizations.
I think I am in an abusive relationship. How can an advocate help?
Advocates provide options, support, and safety planning at any stage of your relationship, whether you choose to stay or leave. We will talk with you about the differences between healthy and abusive relationships. In many situations, physical abuse may not have occurred but other forms of abuse are happening, such as emotional, financial, or sexual abuse.
Is an advocate available on nights and weekends?
Yes, confidential advocates are available 24/7 by calling (407) 823-1200 or by texting (407)823-6868
Can an advocate help if I was victimized off campus?
Yes. Advocates provide services to all UCF community members, regardless of the location of the victimization.
Someone is bothering me, but I don’t want to get an injunction for protection (restraining order). Can an advocate help?
Yes. Seeking an injunction is only one option of many. Advocates will explain all your options and help support you in whatever choices you make.
Someone I know is being victimized, and it’s affecting me. Can an advocate help?
Yes. Anyone can be affected by actual or threatened violence impacting someone they know. Advocates can provide you with options that are available to you both on and off campus .
I have a friend who was victimized. Can I bring them to see an advocate?
Yes. It is okay if your friend wants you to come with them to meet with a confidential Victim Advocate. Advocates can also provide you with information and guidance on ways to help your friend if they do not want to meet with an advocate at this time.
What is UCF's policy on dating/domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking?
These actions are expressly prohibited by UCF. More information is available in the Golden Rule Handbook located at https://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/docs/goldenrule.pdf