Inquiring Minds: Cheryl Ferreira on the new Special Victims Unit

Cheryl Ferreira, a former detective with Brown's Department of Public Safety and currently manager of the department's special services, is the coordinator of its new Special Victims Unit. A certified law enforcement instructor on violence against women, Ferreira also has received victim advocacy training from the Sexual Assault and Trauma Resource Center. She spoke recently with the George Street Journal about the new unit.

Who does the Special Victims Unit serve?

Our office serves as a resource to faculty, staff and students, as well as concerned family and friends of victims of relationship violence, hate crimes, and sexual assault.

Some of the services I offer include advocacy and support to victims; referrals; reviewing their rights with them; helping them understand criminal and legal proceedings; finding resources for them; helping people obtain protective orders; and accompanying people to hospitals and police departments.

Why was your position created?

In 2002, the Bratton Group, a security consulting group hired by the University, included in its recommendations the creation of a Special Victims Unit. The consultants had spoken with a variety of student counselors and leaders who expressed dissatisfaction with the support system in place at the time. They said it revictimized the victim.

I am working with the Office of Student Life, the Sarah Doyle Women's Center, Health Services, Psychological Services, and Health Education to develop a new set of procedures for women who have been assaulted.

The needs of the Brown community will dictate how to best develop my program.

Is relationship violence really a problem on college campuses?

Yes, it is. Even on my first day in this new position, I had someone who needed assistance. I'm seeing a lot of cases of threats and intimidation involving ex-boyfriends or acquaintances through stalking and cyberstalking.

What are some signs that someone might be a victim of relationship or domestic violence?

Aside from the obvious signs of physical injuries, some more subtle indications of an abusive relationship include the victim being overly concerned about their partner's mood; the victim always "going along" with whatever a partner wants in order to keep them happy; or the victim withdrawing from family and friends.

There also are cues that someone you are getting to know may be violent later on in a relationship: They often are very controlling, extremely jealous, regularly check up on their partner's whereabouts, and berate their partner.

Why should people report hate crimes or hate incidents?

Hate crimes not only affect the individual, they impact an entire community as well. Hate incidents are often done anonymously. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to call detectives at 863-3412 or 863-9956. No one should be in fear or be intimidated on this campus.

I encourage members of the Brown community to report all instances of hate incidents or crimes. Public Safety will document each incident, conduct an investigation, and forward copies of the report to the R.I. State Police, which furnishes statistics from Rhode Island to the FBI.

What is the best way to contact you?

My regular work hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. I can be reached by e-mail, or by telephone at 863-2542. If people are uncomfortable coming to a police station, I have office hours at the Sarah Doyle Women's Center on Mondays from noon until 1:30 p.m. In an emergency, call Public Safety at 863-3322; the supervisor can reach me any time.