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The Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention aims to reduce the barriers that students may encounter following a victimization. If a student is experiencing academic challenges as a result of their experience, an advocate may be able to contact your professors to request academic support. 

If a student needs to withdraw from courses due to a victimization, an advocate may be able to assist with that process. ARC petitions can be submitted with support from the Center for Victim Advocacy if appropriate, and can protect the students privacy throughout the process. 

TITLE IX 

Title IX complaints can be filed through the Office of Title IX & VAWA Compliance. An advocate can provide assistance in explaining the reporting process, making the initial report, as well as any advocacy needs throughout the process.  

OTHER UNIVERSITY REPORTING OPTIONS 

If an incident is reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development, or Human Resources an advocate can provide assistance in explaining the reporting process, making the initial report, as well as any advocacy needs throughout the process.

ACCOMPANIMENT 

An advocate is available to accompany you to any criminal or civil case court hearings due to victimization, including Injunctions for Protection and can offer emotional support. An advocate is not able to provide legal advice.

INJUNCTIONS FOR PROTECTION 

Injunctions for Protection are referred to as "restraining orders" or "orders for protection" in some states. Your advocate can guide you through the process and accompany you to court hearings for the injunction. 

REFERRAL TO LEGAL SERVICES 

If you are in need of a referral to legal services due to a criminal or civil legal matters related to victimization, an advocate can provide you with a referral to local agencies. The Center for Victim Advocacy is not able to provide any legal advice or counsel.  

Forensic Medical Exams can be done up to 120 hours (5 days) following the sexual battery. A client does not have to file a police report to get an exam. Forensic Medical Exams are done 24/7 at certified rape crisis centers. There are no locations on a university campus – an advocate can assist in scheduling an exam at a local rape crisis center. 

An advocate can also assist a client in obtaining STI preventative measures following a sexual battery and can help arranging other medical care. 

Certified Rape Crisis Centers: 

• – Hillsborough County
  24/7 Helpline: Call 211 in Hillsborough County, or 813-234-1234 if calling outside of Hillsborough County
• – Pinellas County
  24/7 Helpline: 727-530-7273
• – Sarasota/Manatee County
  24/7 Helpline: 941-365-1976
• - Pasco County
  24/7 Helpline: 352-521-3120  

If someone has been the victim of a crime and has reported it to law enforcement within 72 hours, they may be eligible for compensation. A victim advocate can assist clients with filing the application to receive this compensation. In order to qualify, a person needs:

• A completed and signed victim compensation claim application
• A law enforcement offense report providing evidence of a crime
• Proof of expenses related to the crime 

While our services are not dependent on reporting, if interested, an advocate is able to explore all reporting options, both within the University system as well as law enforcement. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you have a number of options. If you choose to report, an advocate will be able to assist you by providing accompaniment and assistance with a written statement.  

Reporting options include:  

• Report to local law enforcement agency  
• File a Title IX complaint with any of the University's Title IX Coordinators  
• Report student misconduct through the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development
• Choose not to report 

If you are hesitant to report sexual assault because of underage drinking or illegal substance use, please be aware of , which protects the victim from misconduct sanctions.