Special Victims Unit
The Department of Public Safety has established the Special Victims Unit upon the recommendation of The Bratton Group, LLC, a professional security consulting group contracted by the University in the Spring of 2002.
The Special Victims Unit is intended to be a year around, comprehensive support service for the victims and survivors of the sensitive crimes to include hate crimes, sexual assault, assaults and robberies, relationship violence, and stalking. The unit is intended to work cooperatively with the DPS Detectives, Office of Student Life, Psychological Services, and Employee Relations to ensure individuals are knowledgeable about their options for safety. The unit also coordinates events and programming that serves to raise awareness about such sensitive crimes, women's self-defense and safety, and the many sources of support available to victims in the state of R.I.
A law enforcement advocate is available to provide post-crisis support to persons who report they have been a victim of a crime. Services available include:
- Victim advocacy and support
- Safety-planning
- Review of victim rights, related law, legal definitions of crimes, and relative legislation
- Provide transportation and accompaniment to courts, Providence Police Department, and Attorney General's office as necessary
- Provide resource information, as well as referrals to external agencies servicing victims of crime, and their families in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
- Explain options and procedures for reporting
- Explain protective orders, court procedures, as well as steps involved in criminal prosecution
- Assistance with obtaining protective orders
- Educational initiatives
These services are available to staff, faculty, and students. Individuals who wish to become more informed about any of the aforementioned areas, or would like develop an individualized plan for safety, are welcome to make an appointment.
Our law enforcement advocate has completed the 36 hour training in advocacy and support services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and hate crimes provided by the RI Network to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Please note: Those who seek our services are NOT required to file a police report.
All services are confidential, and meetings may take place at a location other than DPS upon request.
For more information about these services, please
call (401)863-2542 or (401)863-3322.