The University of Texas Voices Against Violence (VAV) is partnering with student leaders from Texas Roundtable, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and University Panhellenic Council (UPC) to raise funds for the startup costs of this new initiative. As this is an issue that affects students across campus in a variety of different ways, this fundraising effort involves the collaboration of two of UT’s largest communities: Spirit and Greek. This fundraising initiative is one part of a larger fundraising initiative that will span several weeks and reach students, alumni, and members of the greater Austin community.
Data from the U.S Bureau of Justice Statistics tell us that under 35% of all sexual assaults are reported, and there are a number of reasons why a survivor may not choose to come forward. Fear of a lack of evidence or of retaliation can be a huge barrier, and a general unfamiliarity with the process of reporting means that many survivors don't feel empowered to make any decision. Whether or not to report is a decision best left to the individual, but we as a campus community have a responsibility to offer the best support system for survivors that we can.
The Interpersonal Violence Peer Support (IVPS) program will be a volunteer group of confidential student peers, trained to assist fellow students who request support, options, resources, or information on University policies, procedures, and reporting options due to an interpersonal violence situation. These critical areas include sexual assaults, attempted assaults, dating, domestic, and family violence, stalking, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sex/gender discrimination.
The IVPS program will equip numerous students with knowledge of tangible resources on campus and in the Austin area. Through them, there is a greater chance that a survivor will know of someone who can offer them the tools to make their own choice going forward. After experiencing violence, it's not uncommon for a person to feel a loss of control, and those in the Peer Support program will be trained to help restore their sense of agency. Talking about interpersonal violence is inherently uncomfortable for many people, and we are rarely made to think about what we might do after encountering sexual violence, but speaking with someone their own age can help reduce the anxiety a survivor might be feeling. The importance of this program is proven by its breadth - as each new class is trained, there will be more and more UT students with the ability to support, inform, and empower their friends and colleagues if they encounter interpersonal violence during their time at the university.
