A Safe Place on Campus: Crime Victim Services

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Starting college is a new and exciting chapter, but it can also be a time of vulnerability. Unfortunately, crimes, including sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and more can happen on college campuses. That’s why it’s so important for students to know about the crime victim services available to them.

What are Crime Victim Services on Campus?

Many colleges and universities have dedicated offices or staff who provide free and confidential support to students who have been victims of crime. These services are often separate from law enforcement, so students can seek help without the pressure of immediately filing a police report.

These services can include:

  • Emotional Support: Providing a safe space to talk, offering counseling referrals, and helping students process their trauma.
  • Safety Planning: Working with students to create a plan to ensure their immediate safety and well-being.
  • Academic and Housing Accommodations: Assisting with things like changing classes or dorm rooms to avoid contact with an offender.
  • Navigating the Justice System: Explaining the university’s disciplinary process and a victim’s rights within the criminal justice system.
  • Referrals: Connecting students with medical care, legal aid, and other community resources.

Why are they so important?

Having a dedicated resource on campus can make all the difference for a student victim. It removes barriers to seeking help and provides a trusted advocate who understands the unique challenges of the university environment. These services help ensure that students can continue their education and thrive, even after experiencing a traumatic event.

Someplace Safe advocates provide a variety of services and resources to local campuses across our service area, in addition to opportunities for training, education, and public awareness. Here are just a few:

Alexandria Technical & Community College:

Someplace Safe provides education to law enforcement students at ATCC on working victims after sexual assault, coordination of care with health professionals (including Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), and the advocacy response to this crime. The agency also educates law enforcement students on Someplace Safe service delivery, including client-led and trauma informed services.

Someplace Safe displays the agency’s Clothesline Project every October at the ATCC, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

M-State Fergus Falls:

M-State has confidential space on campus for students who need to access an advocate.

University of Minnesota Morris:

The University of Minnesota Morris has confidential space on campus for students who need to access an advocate. Staff also participate in the annual community Welcome Picnic at the UMM campus and the annual spring Bread and Bowls event.

NDSCS:

Someplace Safe staff participate in the annual opening week Community Block Party at the beginning of the academic year. NDSCS hosts an annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event and basketball game, where Someplace Safe staff are able to attend, connect with students and provide information to students, faculty and community members.

 

In addition to the above-mentioned campus activities, outreach and direct service offerings, Someplace Safe also has opportunities for volunteering and student internships. Students interested in volunteering or learning more about college internships can visit someplacesafe.info/get-involved/volunteer-intern/or email volunteers@someplacesafe.info

If you or a friend have been a victim of a crime on campus, remember that you are not alone and that help is available. Take a moment to learn about your school’s victim services and share this information with others, and reach out to Someplace Safe at 800-974-3359. By spreading awareness, we can all contribute to creating a safer and more supportive campus community.

What It Takes to Make a Difference: The Role of an Advocate

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Seeking advocacy services can be an overwhelming and often frightening experience for a victim of crime. Many victims feel isolated and alone, unsure of where to turn for help. They might be dealing with the emotional trauma of the crime, as well as navigating a complex legal system and struggling to find resources for safety and recovery. An advocate’s role is to be a steady guide and a source of support, providing a safe and confidential space for a victim to share their story and explore their options. The journey to healing often starts with this crucial first step of reaching out.

One of our advocates shared this firsthand account of the impact of these crucial services:

“A client came into my office with two small children this past year. The client was fleeing from a domestic abuse relationship involving her spouse. The spouse was not only harming her but also physically abusive to the children. I worked with this client to complete and submit an order for protection on behalf of herself and children. The client put much time and effort into obtaining the order for protection and was so relieved when it went in her favor.

The client and I continued to work closely with social services and law enforcement to assist her with ongoing safety concerns, custody issues, and the overall adjustment to life after abuse. The client on several occasions stated, “I can finally breathe now that my children and I are safe.”

At present, the client is doing well, she has her own apartment, and the children are thriving. She has relocated to a new community, feels safe and confident, and is surrounded by many wonderful supportive family and friends to help her navigate her new life. The client still checks in with me frequently and states how fortunate she was to have a place like Someplace Safe to help her through the darkest times of her life.”

If you or someone you know is in need of advocacy services, contact Someplace Safe 24/7 365 days a year at 800-974-3359. Help is available!