Get Info: Frequently Asked Questions

 
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What does "SAAVI" stand for?

"SAAVI" is an acronym for "Sexual Assault & Anti-Violence Information."

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What can SAAVI do for me?

When sexual assault or hurtful relationships happen, it can be a confusing time. SAAVI is safe and confidential place to come and talk, and figure out what to do next. We are here to...

  • Support those who experience sexual assault or other hurtful relationships
  • Support family and friends
  • Give you permission to feel what you feel
  • Make sure your questions get answered
  • Educate you about common effects of sexual assault and hurtful relationships
  • Explain your rights, choices, and options
  • Connect you to resources (counseling, medical help, academic assistance, etc.)
  • [If you choose to work with police or prosecution] Offer support during investigation/trial process

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Is SAAVI only for women?

No. SAAVI is available to both women and men, whether you're interested in figuring out to help a friend, or get help for yourself.

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Is SAAVI only for students?

No. SAAVI is available to all members of campus: students, facult, and staff. We are here for you, whether you want to help a friend or get help for yourself.

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If I go to SAAVI because something happened to me, will a report be made to police?

NO. When you visit SAAVI, your visit is CONFIDENTIAL. Making a police report is a personal decision. If you choose to report to police, we can help you.

BUT there are exceptions to this rule. Under the following circumstances, SAAVI is REQUIRED BY LAW to make a report to the police or to the local Department of Child and Family Services:

  • If the survivor is under the age of 18
  • If violence was witnessed by a child under the age of 18
  • If an individual discloses instances of child or elder abuse
  • An individual demonstrates that she/he is a harm to her/himself or others

If you decide to make a report to the police, or the situation requires that a report be made, know that the USU Police Department, as well as other local policing agencies, have many wonderful and caring officers that stand ready to offer assistance.

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If I decide to make a report to Police, what happens next?


That depends largely on you. You have several choices when it comes to making a report to police, and each choice has a different outcome:

  • Police can document your experience (with the understanding that no investigation or further action will be taken)
  • Police can document your experience and interview the suspect (no further action will be taken beyond this interview, and the suspect will be notified to have no contact with you), or
  • Police can conduct a full investigation and prepare your case for screening by the County attorney for possible prosecution

If you are interested in talking to police, but are not comfortable with a full investigation and possible prosecution, simply documenting your experience can be beneficial:

  • Your report will give police a more accurate picture of what is happening in our area.
  • Your report may help police keep a running tab on regular sexual perpetrators.
  • You may decide at a later date that you want to cooperate in an investigation/prosecution. The details of the event will have been recorded and time-sensitive information will have been collected.

To learn more about your reporting options, click here to read "Making the Decision to Report."

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Do I have other reporting options besides talking to police?

Yes. If the person who hurt you is a student on campus, you have two other options (whether or not you make a report to police):

  • Student of Concern Report. USU takes safety seriously; the university cares deeply about the well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Occasionally, a student's behaviors rises above normal interactions to a level of concern that may lead to disruption of classroom or university activity or cause concern of threat towards oneself and/or others. When this occurs, the student may be reported through an online "Student of Concern Report." Reports sent through this system go directly to the VP of Student Services and the university Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT); all information is kept confidential. These reports can be made anonymously, and if the person so chooses, the report can be made for documentation purposes only (in other words, the team will create a file on the incident, but no action will be taken). Even when a report is requested to be left at documentation only, it allows BIT to track concerning behavior and better understand what is happening on campus. SAAVI can submit anonymous reports on behalf students, faculty, and staff

  • Office of Student Conduct. The Office of Student Conduct has several goals and responsibilities, including protecting the learning and living environment at USU, and resolving Student Code violations and grievances. If another student hurts you (rape, sexual assault, hurtful relationships, stalking, etc.), that person has violated the student code, and you have the right to make a report. All matters that are reported to this office are handled confidentially and sensitively. Student Conduct oversees disciplinary hearings for students who violate the Student Code. These proceedings are confidential, and only those directly involved are invited to attend. If appropriate (regardless of whether or not there is a related criminal court case) the offending student can be punished and/or removed from campus.

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Can I get on-going counseling at the SAAVI Office?

While the SAAVI Coordinator is available to counsel with individuals as they decide what to do in the aftermath of violence, the SAAVI Coordinator does not provide on-going therapy. If survivors of violence decide that they would like to meet with someone on an on-going basis to deal with the trauma of sexual, dating, or domestic violence, the SAAVI Coordinator can refer the individual to counselors on campus or in the community.

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