The University of Texas at Austin Police Department Victim Services Unit (VSU) provides trauma-informed support, crisis intervention, advocacy, and resource navigation to students, staff, faculty, and visitors impacted by crime, crisis, or other traumatic experiences affecting the university community.
Responsibilities and Functions
The Victim Services Unit provides trauma-informed support, advocacy, and resource navigation for individuals impacted by crisis, victimization, or traumatic events.
- Crisis intervention and emotional support.
- Safety planning and risk assessment.
- Information regarding rights, reporting options, and campus or criminal justice processes.
- Referrals to campus and community resources.
- Coordination with Title IX, counseling services, medical providers, housing, and outside agencies.
- Assistance with protective measures and follow-up support.
- Advocacy for individuals impacted by traumatic events.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The Victim Services Unit works alongside UTPD officers, campus partners, surrounding law enforcement agencies, advocacy organizations, and multidisciplinary response teams to help individuals navigate difficult situations while promoting safety, stability, and access to support services.
On the UT campus, Victim Services Specialists frequently collaborate with the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), Title IX Office, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Student Outreach & Support (SOS), campus safety committees, Student Emergency Services, Housing and Dining, and other university departments to provide coordinated support and resource navigation.
Through these partnerships, Victim Services helps ensure a comprehensive and trauma-informed response for individuals impacted by crisis or trauma.
Community Engagement
One of the mottos frequently highlighted throughout Victim Services publications and outreach efforts is, “It Takes a Campus.” This phrase reflects the belief that supporting individuals impacted by crisis or trauma is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, awareness, and community involvement across the university.
The Victim Services Unit is committed to fostering a safer and more informed campus community through outreach, education, and collaborative prevention efforts. Victim Services Specialists engage with students, staff, faculty, and campus partners to increase awareness of available resources, promote personal and community safety, and encourage early intervention and help-seeking behaviors.
The unit regularly conducts presentations, trainings, tabling events, outreach initiatives, and participates in campus and community events focused on topics such as interpersonal violence, sexual assault, stalking, mental health concerns, suicide prevention, and trauma awareness. These efforts are intended to reduce stigma, strengthen community connections, and provide individuals with practical information on how to access support and respond to individuals in crisis.
Additional Information
The Victim Services Unit was developed to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to individuals impacted by crisis, victimization, and traumatic events within The University of Texas community. While housed within The University of Texas Police Department, the unit’s role extends beyond traditional law enforcement response by focusing on emotional support, advocacy, resource navigation, safety planning, and collaborative care.
Victim Services Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are frequently contacted directly by UTPD officers to provide on-scene crisis response, follow-up support, and resource coordination for individuals impacted by traumatic events. The unit also receives referrals from campus partners including Student Outreach & Support (SOS), the Title IX Office, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and other university departments when individuals are seeking guidance regarding law enforcement processes, reporting options, safety concerns, or available supportive resources.
The unit serves a diverse campus population and recognizes that individuals may seek assistance for both criminal and non-criminal concerns. Victim Services Specialists strive to meet individuals where they are, reduce barriers to support, and help connect community members with appropriate campus and community resources.
The Victim Services Unit emphasizes accessibility, collaboration, prevention, and education while working to build trust and strengthen relationships across the campus community. Through crisis response, outreach efforts, multidisciplinary partnerships, and ongoing advocacy, the unit seeks to promote safety, resilience, and overall well-being throughout the university environment.
For additional information or to contact the Victim Services Unit, please email victimservices@utexas.edu or call 512-232-9630.