Students who may be too busy or hesitant to visit UTRGV’s Counseling Center or Office of Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention during the school year may visit during Spring Break.
“Our job is to empower people who have already had their power stripped away typically ’cause when you’ve been subject to violence victimization, all sorts of other issues arise,” said Cynthia Jones, a philosophy associate professor and OVAVP director. “You are far less likely to finish school. You are far less likely to finish classes that semester.”
Jones also said OVAVP helps faculty and staff, but most clients are students.
OVAVP has several recommendations for staying safe during Spring Break. Students should lock the doors while idling in their vehicles, have several emergency phone numbers memorized, avoid walking alone, or ask campus security for an escort to their vehicles, and let a friend or family member know their schedule.
In social settings, students should also know it is OK to lie to exit an uncomfortable situation, and not drink unattended beverages or past their limits.
The organization will help campus community members who experience stalking, domestic and dating violence, and sexual assault. Students who want to change their classes due to one of these problems will immediately receive assistance for this if they visit the office.
Jones also said there are several ways to help someone who may struggle with these problems.
“If somebody tells you that something has happened to them, believe them,” she said. “Suggest resources. On campus if they start with us, we can give them all their other options, and they don’t have to report.”
To help others, be supportive, believe them, listen and help them to talk to confidential and professional help. Most people indirectly ask for help from friends or family first before asking professionals, Jones said.
OVAVP’s goal is for people who need their help to not see themselves as victims but as survivors.
She said warning signs include the other person being controlling, belittling, or socially isolating their partner.
For more information, Jones recommends students visit joinonelove.org and taasa.org.
The Counseling Center also offers students couples counseling. The couple must be enrolled at the university and at least 18 years old.
Students have access to additional resources when they visit the Counseling Center. Those who are struggling with alcohol may be referred to Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students. The program, which consists of two sessions, helps students determine if they have an alcohol problem.
“Most students who enter that program are [from] a mandatory referral process because they have been identified as having a conduct issue on campus related to their alcohol,” said Christopher Albert, the Counseling Center director. “[The program] … helps them to know if they have a problem with alcohol use, and if so, how severe is the problem.”
After, students may be referred to the Collegiate Recovery Program or to the Counseling Center.
“Students who have gone through that program overwhelmingly report that it was a positive experience for them, that they learn a lot about themselves,” Albert said.
