Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[DARRAH WHITMAN JONES <>]

Sherry,

 

Hi there. We have found one of the best options is to have the campus safety officer take the victim’s report in our office, the victim advocacy office. This doesn’t always happen, it usually happens when one of our clients/students has already been set up with our advocacy services and then chooses to report. If they are in contact with campus safety officials first, they interview them at the campus police station, but it is great to have the victim set up with us as soon as possible and to have the officer come out to our office, so that they are coming into the client’s safe space. Our campus safety department has been great about this and are always willing to come across campus to take the report in our office so that the victim doesn’t have to be the one to go out of their way. This helps the victim feel more comfortable, with their advocate, in our comfy office, rather than at a police station.

 

Our office has a nice, super comfortable couch and a few chairs. We have validating posters and calming art on the wall and the office is decorated in warm tones. We often have our clients (and almost anyone who visits our office) say how cozy it looks, and how they feel like they want to plop down on the couch and stay all day. It helps to create a space like this, warm and welcoming. We also have a coffee/tea maker ready so we can offer the client a drink if they would like one.

 

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

Best,

Darrah Jones

Sexual Assault Support Advocate

University of Utah

Center for Student Wellness

Student Services Building Rm. 330

(801)581-7779

 

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From: Mendez, Sherry R [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 10:51 AM
To: ;
Subject: Reporting Rooms

 

Greetings All-

 

Our University Police Department (called Public Safety) is working to create a more hospitable environment for those looking to report instance of sexual misconduct and other crimes. Their physical location does not really allow for anonymity or privacy, so they have decided to create a reporting annex if you will. For those who have similar reporting locations separate from the main Police Department I have two questions:

1.       What does your campus call these spaces?

2.       How are your spaces set up?

 

Any information will be very helpful. Thank you.

 

Best,

Sherry

__________________________________________

Sherry Mendez, MPH, CHES

Director, Office of Wellness Promotion

Campus Sexual Misconduct Advocate

Student Health Services

Commonwealth Hall, Ground Floor

610.436.0732

 

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