VEP Services

Frequently asked questions

• Will I be charged for the services provided at VEP?

  The Victim Empowerment Program (VEP) provides advocacy services completely free of charge to the FIU community.

• Will my parents find out if I received services at VEP?

  All information shared with VEP advocates remains confidential unless the student provides written consent for the information to be shared. 

• Will university records show that I received services at VEP?

  VEP records are confidential and are not part of the academic records.

• Do I need a police report to receive services?

  Police reports are not a requirement to receive services. However, our clients are always informed of their right to file a police report.

• Will I have to report a sexual assault to the police?

  VEP-trained advocates are available to provide assistance and guidance to victims of sexual assault whether the client chooses to report the crime or not. 

• Are services only available to students?

  VEP advocacy services are available to current members of the FIU community, which includes enrolled FIU students, faculty, and staff. Services are also available to university visitors if victimization occurred on FIU campuses.

• If my victimization occurred in the past, can the VEP still help me?

  VEP-trained advocates are available to provide services related to both present and past victimizations.

• Can VEP help me if I am in a same-sex relationship?

  VEP is an ally of the LGBTQ community and provides services to all members of the FIU community without exception. VEP does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

• I think I am in an abusive relationship. How can VEP help?

  VEP advocates can help with identifying the qualities of a healthy relationship and the features of an abusive relationship. VEP advocates can help with providing options, support, and safety planning whether or not someone is ready to leave an abusive relationship.

• I missed an assignment/class due to victimization. Can VEP help me? 

  VEP advocates can provide assistance with requesting accommodations from professors in order to help ensure a successful academic term.

• Is VEP available on nights and weekends?

  VEP advocates are available nights and weekends for emergencies. They can be reached at 305-348-2277. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

• What if I was victimized off-campus? Can the VEP still help me?

  VEP provides advocacy services to all FIU community members regardless of the location of the assault.

• I am being stalked and/or harassed by another student but I don't want to get a restraining order. How can VEP help?

  All students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct as stated in the FIU Student Handbook. An FIU student who violates the FIU Student Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. An advocate can explain the process further and provide assistance if you choose to file an incident report.

• Someone I know is being victimized and it's affecting me. Can VEP help?

  It is normal to be affected by actual or threatened violence, even if you are not the direct target. This secondary trauma can interfere with normal functioning and concentration. VEP advocates also provide services to secondary victims.

• Can I bring a friend to VEP to receive services?

  If your friend is an FIU student, they qualify to receive services at VEP. However, if your friend is not an FIU member, VEP advocates can recommend appropriate community resources. 

• I attend the Biscayne Bay Campus. Can the VEP help me?

  VEP serves students on BBC and the Engineering Campus. Please call 305-348-2277 for an appointment, or the 24-hour crisis hotline if immediate assistance is needed. If there is immediate danger, dial 911.