Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ OVA
The OVA Vision & Mission:Ìý
Traumatic events happen every day in all communities and Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ's community is not exempt. The impact of this can vary from person to person. OVA strives to mitigate the impact of traumatic experiences by increasing access and awareness to empower the people we serve in making informed decision.Ìý We do this by providing free and confidential trauma-focused services.
The Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) works towards a safer, more socially just and supportive campus community by providing culturally relevant trauma response and prevention services.
Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Our Name
One does not need to identify with the word victim to use OVA services. We recognizes that the word victim may hold stigma and some may not feel comfortable using or identifying with the word. Some people we work with identify with the word victim, some identify with the term survivor, and some do not identify with either. OVA will not label your experience and we will use the words that you feel most comfortable using to identify your experience.
OVA Inclusion Statement
The Office of Victim Assistance values diversity, equity, social justice, and inclusion. We support students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The OVA shall maintain and promote a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation/philosophy, or veteran status. We acknowledge that culturally relevant trauma services is an ongoing process of learning that begins by looking within ourselves and honoring basic human rights. As individuals and as an agency, we are committed to responding effectively to social-cultural diversity.
OVA Staff
To learn more about OVA staff visit the bottom section of our contact page.
Services we provide:
Advocacy can vary based on the person's needs and can include informing people of their rights and reporting options, medical options, safety planning, information on civil protection orders, accompaniment to court, academic advocacy, and assistance with navigating systems (academic, administrative, criminal, and more).ÌýOVA will support the individual in whatever they decide is best for them. Regardless if an individual chooses to report or not, the individual has rights and options. Ones does not have to report to recieve advocacy services from OVA.Ìý OVA can assist in navigating the various systems and advocate to address the individual's needs, whether it is working with academic, employment, medical, administrative, law enforcement, orÌýother systems.
Counseling services are free and confidential. Students, graduate students, faculty, and staff impacted by a potentially traumatic or life disruptive event (this includes witnesses and secondary survivors) can receive up to 6 counseling sessions. If one is seeking/needing longer term counseling OVA can provide referrals to providers in the community.ÌýCounseling is about working with the client's goals around support and healing and can include processing one's traumatic experience(s), as well as learning coping skills andÌýdeveloping self-care.
OVA is also available to consult with and provide support to colleagues, friends, roommates, partners, and family of individuals who have experienced a potentially traumatic or life disruptive event. OVA can offer guidance on how to support the individual, answer questions regarding systems and options, as well as provide direct support to the impacted friend or family member.
Email Policy Statement
WhileÌýOVA’s services are confidential, due to the nature of electronic communication, weÌýcannotÌýassure you that e-mail is as secure as face-to-face or phone conversation.ÌýPlease bear this in mind when communicating via email.ÌýEmail is also NOT APPROPRIATE for urgent or emergency messages.ÌýIn case of emergency, please either CALL 911, Campus PoliceÌý(303-492-6666), OVA (303-492-8855), or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.Ìý
Get Involved
OVA does not have any volunteer or intern opportunities. Click here forÌýa list of ways to get involved on and off campus. Make a difference in your community!
OVA is part of the Health and Wellness Services in the divison of (SRS). OVA reports to the Assosiate Vice Chancellor of Health and Wellness, Jessica Doty.Ìý The SRS Division taps into its collective leadership and broad campus view to manage resources that serve the entire university. Through close alignment and support for the division’s collective work, the team works to implement improvements quickly and efficiently for the entire campus. SRS also optimizes resources in mission-critical areas by ensuring collaborative, holistic solutions to complex challenges.