About the Office of Victim Services
The Office of Victim Services is here to coordinate services for students' rights: initiating contact, establish working relationships with District Attorneys' Offices, provide emergency assistance in the immediate aftermath of a crime, provide continuous support to minimize associated trauma, facilitate participation in the criminal justice system, and the university's process.
What a Victim Coordinator can do to help:
- Provides contact with victims of crimes and personal tragedy, either in the immediate aftermath of the crime or on a follow-up basis
- Provides immediate crisis intervention and initial emotional support as needed and provides information on counseling available for long or short- term assistance
- Assist the student in developing a safety plan
- Ensures that victims are aware of their rights under the State of Tennessee Crime Bill Rights
- Act as a liaison between the victim of a crime and any legal services which are rendered to address their needs, including accompanying to court hearings, the filing of protection orders, attending law enforcement interviews, and the composition of a Victim Impact Statement, etc. (at the student's request)
- Assist with completing an application for victim compensation (if applicable)
- Remain knowledgeable and current on victim laws
- Develop and maintain a positive and productive working relationship with other members of the Police Department staff to provide higher quality and complete support services for the victims of crime through a teamwork approach
- Maintain a professional and positive rapport with the District Attorney's Office and their victim assistance personnel and programs
- Maintain a professional and positive rapport with other law enforcement agencies
- Provide training to officers, advocates and the community regarding victim rights
Free & Confidential Services
What you share with a victim coordinator is confidential and will not be shared without your permission.
A victim coordinator is mandated to report shared information if:
- An intention to harm oneself or another is disclosed; or
- There is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect.