Mariajose Garza/THE RIDER
The Office for Advocacy and Violence Prevention provides confidential support and trauma-responsive counseling for students, faculty and staff who have experienced any kind of violence or crime, according to a university official.
“We do what we need to get someone to wherever is they need to be,” said Cynthia Jones, OAVP director and professor of philosophy. “That includes [any] sort of crime that has a victim: sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, even things like theft and robbery.”
OAVP offers services after hours, which Jones said are important for survivors who may require help after the 8-5 schedule, acting as an accessible advantage for students, faculty and staff.
“Our groups are most support based, so our services aren’t limited to just licensed counseling,” Jones said. “We do wrap-around services for people, so we can work with people and all the issues they’re facing.”
She noted OAVP collaborates with Title IX, Housing and Residence Life, campus police and even district attorneys’ offices to guarantee students get what they need.
The office also has a toiletry supply and may help with financial aid issues or course changes caused by students’ circumstances, making assistance available on numerous levels.
The subdivision also offers specialized services such as a forensic exam, which can assist survivors in gathering evidence and accessing medical care when necessary.
“The thing that’s unique about forensic exams is that they are admissible in court,” Jones said.
Students who seek mental health support can also opt to speak with a licensed counselor.
Margarita Gonzalez, counselor at the office, explained to The Rider how she works with students seeking these services, providing a confidential space.
“I tell my clients they’re not broken; you’re out of practice,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of the skills that they’re unfamiliar with, it’s just that they’re out of practice, and every journey is different.”
She said counseling services are exclusive to students whereas advocacy services are available to students, faculty and staff.
Gonzalez encouraged students to take the first step.
“It takes a lot of courage and bravery to even just walk through our doors,” she said. “… I commend the people that do even think about coming in because that is the initial first step.”
Marco Huerta, a UTRGV police officer, explained to The Rider the process followed after receiving a call regarding any type of violence.
“We will then send an officer to the location, get all the information, make contact with the victim and list any suspects or witnesses that they may have known have information regarding the call,” Huerta said.
The police officer encouraged students to reach out and take advantage of their free services offered 24 hours, 365 days a year.
For more information, visit the Office For Advocacy and Violence Prevention social media or its website.
