The UFPD Advocate. Newsle er of the Office of Victim Services University of Florida Police Department (352) FALL 2014

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1 The UFPD Advocate Newsle er of the Office of Victim Services University of Florida Police Department (352) FALL 2014 White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assaults It is reported that one in five women are sexually assaulted while a ending college. Of these assaults, most of the cases go unreported. In addition, 75-80% of the assaults are perpetrated by someone the woman knows. On January 22, 2014, the White House established a task force that s goal is to confront the issue of sexual assaults on college campuses by emphasizing the importance of the federal government s enforcement efforts and supplying colleges across the country with tools to fight the epidemic. With one of the main goals of the task force being the increase of transparency and improving enforcement, the government is adamant about providing students and schools with resources that are readily available regarding sexual violence. NotAlone.gov was launched to serve as a tool for college students and officials. The site delivers enforcement data, the complete process of filing a complaint against one s school in the event of noncompliance after reporting an assault, legal term and concept explanations, a comprehensive list of legal rights, state-by-state privacy laws, as well as an array of local services readily available for use. To ensure improved enforcement, the Department of Education s Office for Civil Rights has released a document that illustrates student rights and the school s obligations in the event of a sexual assault. The document accentuates the right of a student to expect their school to provide security and support after reporting sexual violence, including while the investigation is pending. It provides clarity on the school s responsibility to respond and work to prevent sexual violence as well. (continued on page 3) Page 1

2 The Bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA) Given the concerns about the high rate of sexual assaults on campuses across United States, a Bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation on July, 30, It is hoped that through this legislation students will be encouraged to report sexual assaults, knowing that their institution will address the issue be it through the criminal justice system, through the university s in-house procedures or both. The bill also aims to ensure tertiary institutions conduct Campus Climate surveys to gauge the scope of the problem which will subsequently provide insight to the systems that work well, systems that need to improve and/or to consider the implementation of additional systems in order to promote reporting. More significantly, seeking redress through formal processes and holding the offender accountable will not only empower the survivor of sexual assault, but also be the start of the road to healing for them. The new legislation provides the following: I. Establishes New Campus Resources and Support Services for Student Survivors Under this legislation, colleges and universities will be required to designate Confidential Advisors who will serve as a confidential resource for students who are victims of crimes through the provision of information about options for reporting, and to provide guidance or assistance, at the direction of the survivor, in reporting the crime to campus authorities and/or local law enforcement. To encourage individuals to come forward with reports about sexual violence, schools will no longer be allowed to sanction a student who reveals a violation in good faith, such as underage drinking. II. Ensures Minimum Training Standards for On-Campus Personnel This legislation ensures that everyone from the Confidential Advisors, to those responsible for investigating and participating in disciplinary proceedings, will receive specialized training so that they have a firm understanding of the nature of these crimes and their effect on survivors. III. Creates New Historic Transparency Requirements Students across America will be surveyed about their experience with sexual violence to get an accurate picture of this problem. This new annual survey will be standardized and anonymous. IV. Increases Campus Accountability and Coordination with Law Enforcement All schools to use one uniform process for campus disciplinary proceedings. Colleges and universities will be required to enter into memoranda of understanding with all applicable local law enforcement agencies to clearly delineate responsibilities & jurisdiction. V. Establishes Enforceable Title IX Penalties and Stiffer Penalties for Clery Act Violations Schools that don t comply may face a penalty of up to 1% of the institution s operating budget. Page 2

3 Rape Aggression Defense for Women (R.A.D.) Register by ing the Program Coordinator, Tina Lamb, at Please provide your name, address, phone number, and which class dates you would like to a end. Rape Aggression Defense, or R.A.D., is a self-defense program designed specifically for women. The R.A.D. approach to personal safety begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and progresses to hands-on physical defense techniques. Participants in the program will learn a wide range of tactics, including verbal techniques, ground defense options, escaping from bear hugs and choke holds, and many more. The practical techniques are designed to maximize the strengths of a woman s body and build upon existing instinctive responses to provide women with effective self-defense options. In R.A.D., women will have the opportunity for hands-on dynamic impact practice and realistic simulation exercises. The R.A.D. program is taught by nationally certified instructors who are dedicated to the growth and well-being of the women in our campus community. The course is suitable for women of all ages and abilities. Fall 2014 Schedule of Classes September 8th, 10th, 15th, and 17th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm September 9th, 11th, 16th, and 18th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm September 23rd, 25th, 30th, and October 2nd from 6:30pm to 9:30pm October 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm October 14th, 16th, 21st, and 23rd from 6:30pm to 9:30pm October 27th, 29th, November 3rd and 5th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm November 4th, 6th, 11th, and 13th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm White House Task Force continued from page 1 Because sexual assault on college campuses is persistently underreported, with only 2% of incapacitated survivors and 13% of forcible rape survivors reporting to law enforcement or campus officials, the task force has constructed a survey to be er predict the real prevalence of this issue on college campuses. The Campus Climate Survey s purpose is also to assess student s a itudes and awareness revolving around sexual violence, as well as providing campus officials with a clearer picture as to how to produce feasible solutions. Presently, colleges and universities are being asked to voluntarily conduct the survey in the winter or spring semesters, however, legislative and administrative options continue to be explored to mandate the periodic conduction of the survey. With the cooperation of schools, this survey will serve as a measure of the success of their efforts to combat sexual violence. Research shows that bystander intervention is one of the most promising prevention strategies for sexual assault. It s been found that men s misperception about what other men think about the issue is problematic. It is common for them to overestimate the acceptance of sexual violence and miscalculate the willingness of others to intervene as a witness to an impending assault. Due to this fallacy, men are far less likely to mediate and help the situation. Bringing in the Bystander is a program that is being used to change this line of thinking by teaching people to terminate rape myths such as she was asking for it and to acknowledge their responsibility to intrude when they encounter a person at risk of assault. The task force is urging men s groups in particular to start the conversation to end the bystander effect. Page 3

4 SE UAL ASSAULT Awareness Week September 8th, 2014 Initiated by the University of Florida s Student Governing Body Count the TEAL ribbons!!!! UFPD Peer Advocates & Internship Program: Join Our Team! The University of Florida Police Department s Office of Victim Services offers a Peer Advocacy Program and internship opportunities. The trained peer advocate team is responsible for creating and delivering innovative presentations on sexual ba$ery, intimate partner violence, stalking, alcohol and consent, and other various topics to classes and different student organizations. The peer advocates also develop and coordinate a wide variety of campus and community awareness/outreach events. Additionally, trained UFPD OVS Interns can work directly with UFPD OVS clients to provide crisis intervention and ongoing support. Interns are required to be trained in crisis intervention prior to beginning their internship. If you have any questions about becoming a peer advocate or an intern, or would like to know more about upcoming presentations or events that the advocates are hosting, please contact the Office of Victim Services at (352) Kayla Ventura, class of 2015 and a current peer advocate, has this to say about the program: Our outreach events are really eye-opening because we see that a ton of UF students are interested in opening up about taboo topics like consent, rape, violence, and stalking. A lot of people I ve never met before come up to me at tabling events to share their stories, get resources, or get educated about how to raise awareness and prevent these things. It s really inspiring and fun to work with such a tight-knit, like-minded group of students. Page 4

5 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Coalition against Domestic Violence website) Did you know Females who are years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police. Witnessing violence between one s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmi!ing violent behavior from one generation to the next. Almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported in police records are killed by an intimate partner. There are 16,800 homicides and $2.2 million (medically treated) injuries due to intimate partner violence annually, which costs $37 billion. Domestic violence is one of the most chronically underreported crimes. The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services. 81% of women stalked by a current or former intimate partner are also physically assaulted by that partner; 31% are also sexually assaulted by that partner. Less than one-fifth of victims reporting an injury from intimate partner violence sought medical treatment following the injury. Approximately 20% of the 1.5 million people who experience intimate partner violence annually obtain civil protection orders. For more information about services and resources with regards to domestic violence, visit the following websites: h!p:// h!p:// For help and support call the following resources: Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network: Hotline Peaceful Paths Outreach Office: Statewide Toll Free Number: SAFE Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence: (850) Page 5

6 Crime Prevention Tips for Students The University of Florida Police Department wishes to welcome all new and returning students to the University Campus. The University strives to provide an environment that is as crime-free as possible in which you can live, work and study. Take the time to review the safety programs available on campus and learn to protect yourself by learning crime prevention principles. Use the services provided, behave in a responsible manner and help make your community an enjoyable place to live. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. SNAP: Student Nighime Auxiliary Patrol 392-SNAP (7627) SNAP is the University of Florida s nightly campus escort service, which operates 7-days a week except holidays. Fall and Spring hours are from 6:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. and Summer hours are from 8:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. You can download teh free SNAP App from either the Google Play Store or itunes Store and search for the SNAP UF. Emergency Telephones As an added security measure, over 300 Emergency Blue Light non-dial, outdoor emergency telephones are located at strategic points throughout campus, including all parking garages. These phones are easily identified by the word Emergency and their distinctive blue lights can be seen both day and night. When the buon is activated/pushed or the receiver is lifted (depending on the model of Emergency Blue Light phone) the caller is immediately placed in contact with the UFPD Dispatch Center. In addition to providing voice contact with a police dispatcher, the dispatcher will also know the caller s precise location. In addition, students can download the TapShield app (mobile technology that allows calls for emergency assistance anywhere on campus) by visiting TapShield.com on a mobile device or searching for TapShield in the ios app store or the Android Marketplace. Personal Safety and Property Security The University of Florida Police Department has numerous programs available to assist the community with their personal safety. Here are some tips to enhance your personal safety. Listen to your instincts. If you feel there is a problem get away. Stay tuned into your surroundings. Be alert for danger. Stick to well-lighted walkways. Avoid isolated, wooded or dark areas. Don t take short cuts. When you run or jog never do so alone. Avoid running at night. If you must run at night use the lighted areas of campus and run with others. Avoid isolated areas and never wear headphones when running. Never leave your belongings unaended anywhere. Make sure to lock doors and windows when leaving your home. Always use a U-style lock for your bicycle. Aach the lock through a wheel, the frame and a stationary object such as a bicycle rack. The University of Florida Police Department has free engraving and property registration. To For further information on this or register your bicycle, find an others safety topics please contact officer on campus, or go to the Community Services Division. the University of Florida Police In addition, you can register your property by going to www. Department s Community Services police.ufl.edu and selecting Operation Identification. Division at Page 6

7 What is the Office of Victim Services? The Office of Victim Services (OVS) assists all victims of crime including, but not limited to, sexual assault, ba ery, intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or harassment. Services provided by OVS include: Crisis intervention Accompanying victims to criminal justice/student Conduct proceedings Obtaining financial reimbursement for losses or expenses incurred as a result of victimization Filing for Injunction for Protection Orders (Restraining Orders) Advocating for students with professors if special accommodations are necessary The role of the victim advocate is to inform victims of crime on what options are available and to support and assist them in whatever option they choose. Victims can feel comfortable knowing that anything discussed with the victim advocate will be kept completely confidential, allowing them to explore all of their options in a safe, non-judgmental environment. These services are all free and available on a 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week basis. Additionally, the Office of Victim Services is available to make presentations on campus on a variety of different topics including victim advocacy, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking/ harassment, child abuse, and workplace violence. For more information on the services provided by OVS, please call (352) from 8 a.m. 5 p.m. or (352) after hours and on weekends. Office of Victim Services University of Florida Police Department PO Box Gainesville, FL (Emergency) Page 7