Guest Column: You’re not alone: A guide to resources as we end Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the 2021 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Misconduct, approximately 1 in 15 students and 1 in 15 employees have experienced relationship violence since coming to Utah State University.

“We often don’t want to believe that relationship violence happens here, that our friends could be causing harm or that our family members are victims,” said Felicia Gallegos, SAAVI Outreach and Prevention Coordinator. “However, the likelihood that you know someone in an unhealthy relationship is incredibly high; this is why we all must be informed on how to help.”

If domestic violence has impacted your life, you deserve information, resources and support. However, navigating your options may feel overwhelming and intimidating. This article will introduce you to the resources available and demystify the process of utilizing them. These resources work both individually and in collaboration to help domestic violence survivors.

USU Public Safety

Those interested in reporting sexual assault to law enforcement can reach out to the police in USU Public Safety. Detective Nick Bowman works to facilitate a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach when assisting survivors.

“We strongly advocate for a Start by Believing approach to these serious calls for service,” Bowman said. “In studies done nationwide, one of the reasons survivors of domestic violence are reluctant to contact law enforcement is the fear of not being listened to or believed.”

Along with a full investigation, additional reporting and documentation options may be available for your case. These can include a hypothetical, or an undocumented Q&A with Bowman; a blind report, to share as much information as you want and attach it to a case number; and documentation interviews. The survivor has as much control as possible over whether to move forward with a full investigation. USU Police also implements the use of victim advocates from the beginning to empower survivors and build a support system.

“There are resources put in place to help [survivors] through their situation,” Bowman said. “These are staffed and worked by individuals that care for survivors and want nothing more than to see them overcome and succeed.”

USU Public Safety is located north of Maverik Stadium, sharing a building with Parking and Transportation at 840 E 1250 N, Logan. Their phone number is 435-797-1939.

The Office of Equity

People who have experienced sexual misconduct or discrimination at USU can reach out to the Office of Equity to understand their Title IX reporting options, receive support and connect to resources.

“The Office of Equity wants both students and employees to understand what options are available to help them continue in their employment or educational pursuits,” said Hilary Renshaw, Title IX Coordinator. “USU does not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking.”

There is the option to report sexual misconduct to the university, with or without identifying information. USU students and employees can also schedule an intake with Equity’s supportive measures specialists to address academic and safety concerns, access resources, file a formal complaint to pursue a formal investigation, seek an earlier resolution or report to law enforcement.

“Regardless of whether you wish to participate in an investigation, supportive measures are available to you,” Renshaw said. “The Office of Equity works as a team to create a process that helps members of the USU community who experience sexual misconduct.”

The Office of Equity is located at Distance Education 404. For answers to general questions, contact 435-797-1266 or titleix@usu.edu.

SAAVI

While USU Police and the Office of Equity provide reporting options, reporting is not a requirement to access services from the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) office. In fact, contacting SAAVI does not notify the university of an incident. SAAVI provides USU students and employees with a trauma-informed and client-centered space to receive information and explore their options.

“You are not alone,” said Jenny Erazo, Director of SAAVI. “SAAVI is here to provide free, confidential support to primary and secondary survivors.”

SAAVI can adapt services to meet individual needs. Clients commonly use their advocates for help with information, connecting to resources, emotional support, safety planning, and coping skills. After filling out paperwork online or in person, clients are assigned an advocate to work with them for as long as they are part of USU.

“Survivors who access SAAVI services can expect to receive transparent, accurate information from a team of professional advocates about options and resources available to them at USU and in our community,” Erazo said. “They can also expect to receive support for whatever decision they feel is best for them in their journey.”

SAAVI is located in Taggart Student Center 311. Additional information on how to get help, get info, or get involved is available at saavi.usu.edu.

CAPSA

Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse (CAPSA) is a nonprofit organization that supports Cache and Rich county residents. CAPSA provides trauma-informed casework and therapy services, caring and confidential shelter, and legal advocacy. CAPSA also facilitates a 24/7 support line, 435-753-2500.

“When you come to CAPSA you can expect to be believed, trusted, and empowered. You will never be forced to make a decision,” said Alyna Ohling, the Community Engagement Director for CAPSA. “Our ultimate goal is to help you be successful, empowering you to set and achieve your goals with the support of our trauma-informed caseworkers and therapists.”

Regardless of the type of interpersonal violence, CAPSA’s wrap-around services can help individuals and families escape abuse and heal.

“We acknowledge that there are many forms of violence including physical, emotional, financial, verbal and spiritual. We know that domestic violence is scary and complicated,” Ohling said. “We are here for you, no matter what form of abuse you have experienced.”

Visit CAPSA.org for more information about the services they offer. You can also reach out to them by calling 435-753-2500 or emailing info@capsa.org.

Whitney Howard is an alumna from Utah State University and a former staff writer for The Utah Statesman. She is now a full-time victim advocate for the SAAVI office.

— whitney.howard@usu.edu