Victim Assistance Team

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

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