Advocacy and Support
UT Austin provides two private support programs for students who have been impacted by interpersonal violence that are not mandated to report to Title IX.
Who Should You Meet With?
That decision is solely based on the student's comfortable level. Some students feel more comfortable meeting with a full-time staff member, while others feel more comfortable meeting with their peers. Both programs provide private, free, and trauma informed services for UT Austin students who have been impacted primarily or secondarily by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and gender-based discrimination. This may include:
- A student processing an incident of violence, regardless of timeframe
- A student unsure if they were assaulted
- A student wondering if their relationship is healthy
- Friends, partners, or family members of someone who is experiencing interpersonal violence
- Faculty and staff members who are concerned about a student
How We Can Help
We empower students by providing information, tools, and resources and by allowing students to determine the course of action that best fits their needs. We are trained to listen and work with students respectfully in whatever decision they make. When meeting with a confidential support person, students may share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Services include, but are not limited to:
- Offering a safe and private setting to discuss questions, concerns, and experiences regarding an incident of interpersonal violence
- Engaging in respectful, active listening and emotional support
- Providing information about students' rights and options regarding the Title IX reporting and investigation process
- Exploring academic, housing, medical, and or/ financial accommodations and remedies
- Referrals for on and off campus resources
Make an Appointment
To schedule a non-urgent appointment with an Advocate, you can:
- Email advocate@austin.utexas.edu
- Call us at (512) 471-5017
- Book your appointment here.
IVPS will relaunch in 2022. For advocacy support, please contact an Advocate at advocate@austin.utexas.edu or call CMHC's 24-hour crisis line at (512) 471-2255.
Privacy
Information disclosed during appointments will not be shared with anyone without the student's written permission. However, in the situation where there is reasonable fear of imminent harm to the student or the campus community, we will take action to ensure safety.
IVPS and Advocates are non-mandatory reporting resources, but are not protected under Texas law as confidential. If a student's record is requested under certain legal circumstances (e.g. subpoena or court of law) or open records request, we may be required to respond.
Additional Information and Resources
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
- Location: Student Emergency Services, SSB 4.104
- Phone number: (512) 471-5017
IVPS will relaunch in 2022. For advocacy support, please contact an Advocate at advocate@austin.utexas.edu or call CMHC's 24-hour crisis line at (512) 471-2255.
The Interpersonal Violence Peer Support program is managed by Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students, with a partnership between the Title IX Office and Voices Against Violence at the Counseling and Mental Health Center.
- Additional campus confidential resources:
- Information on reporting options, please visit Title IX.
- FAQ for Advocates and Peer Supporters (pdf)