The Victim Assistance Team (VAT) is here to assist Colorado State University students who have been sexually assaulted on or off campus; and staff, faculty, or visitors who have been sexually assaulted on campus. Trained Victim Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide emotional support and information if you have been sexually violated.
Definition of Sexual Assault: Any unwanted sexual contact. Including but not limited to: forced sexual penetration of any orifice (rape), unwanted touching of the breasts, buttocks, or genitalia, etc.
What Does the Victim Assistance Team Do?
* Advocates assist female and male victims, and any family
or friends to cope with the physical, psychological and legal
aftermath resulting from a sexual assault.
* Trained Victim Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 365
days a year to provide emotional support and information to
someone who has been sexually violated.
* Advocates can provide information about the victim's choices
for getting medical care. Advocates can meet with a student
in a residence hall room, at a designated sport on campus,
or another agreed upon location.
* Advocates can also accompany a victim to the hospital or
Women's Clinic (or Men's Clinic) at Hartshorn Health Center
if she or he would like.
* They can explain the process of reporting the assault to
the police and can go with the victim to the police station
if she or he decides to file a report. They can also let the
victim know about the University's Judicial Affairs system
if the perpetrator is a student.
* Calling for an advocate does not obligate reporting anything
to the police, except when there is a significant public safety
concern.
Who are the Advocates?
Advocates are volunteers (students, staff and faculty) who complete an extensive training program. They understand the complexity of the aftermath of sexual assault and can assist students in making decisions and obtaining resources. They are educated about legal and medical systems, psychological ramifications of sexual assault and can provide choices and information about medical care. Advocates can provide emotional support as the victim seeks resources. The victim remains in charge of making the decisions, unless there is a significant public safety concern.
Office and Agency Contact Information
|
Office or Agency
Contact Information
|
Hours
|
Phone #
|
| Victim Assistance Team - Ask to Speak with An Advocate |
24 hours
|
491-7111
|
| Victim Assistance Team Info Women's Programs and Studies |
Business hours
|
491-6384
|
| CSU Police Department From On-Campus |
24 hours
|
911
|
| CSU Police Department From Off-Campus |
24 hours
|
491-7111
|
| Women's Clinic at Hartshorn Health Services |
Business hours
|
491-1754
|
| Poudre Valley Hospital Emergency Room |
24 hours
|
495-8020
|
| University Counseling Center |
Business hours
|
491-6053
|
| CSU Police Department -Non-Emergency |
24 hours
|
491-6425
|
| Fort Collins Police Department- if incident occurred off-campus |
24 hours
|
221-6540
|
| Fort Collins TTY (Deaf Accessibility Line) Emergency |
24 hours
|
221-3490
|
| Larimer County Sheriff's Department - if incident occurred in Larimer County, outside of Fort Collins city limits |
24 hours
|
498-5141
|
Victim Assistance Team (VAT) Training
Fall 2007
The Office of Women's Programs and Studies is currently accepting applications for volunteers with the Victim Assistance Team. The Victim Assistance Team (VAT) provides assistance to members of the Colorado State University community who have experienced sexual assault. VAT Advocates are trained to assist survivors or loved ones in navigating the medical, legal, and emotional aftermath of sexual assault. Once trained, Advocates are on-call throughout the year to respond to calls regarding incidents of sexual assault. Dates for the fall training have not yet been determined, but will run September through October or November. The training is 32 hours long. All advocates must be able to make a one-year commitment to volunteering with VAT. Applications are due September 7th. If you are interested in becoming an advocate, please complete an application and submit it to the Office of Women’s Programs and Studies in person or by email (jenkraf@cahs.colostate.edu). Applications are available on our website. Interviews will be held during the last week in August or the first two weeks of September.
Please contact the Office of Women's Programs and Studies at 491-6384 or by email at owps@lamar.colostate.edu if you have any questions.