USU Survivor Support, Advocacy, and Violence Intervention (SSAVI) Office Expands Scope, Updates Name

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University’s sexual assault and anti-violence office is expanding its focus to support students who have experienced a broader range of harm and has updated its name to the Survivor Support, Advocacy, and Violence Intervention (SSAVI) Office.

The updated name reflects the office’s expanded scope of services while maintaining its commitment to providing confidential advocacy, resources, and support to students navigating experiences of harm.

The SSAVI office will continue providing the same confidential services, and advocates will work with students to help them understand what happened to them, learn about their rights, explore available resources and determine what type of support they want.

Support is available based on each student’s needs and preferences, with students able to receive as little or as much advocacy as they would like. The office also provides limited legal support related to protective orders and stalking injunctions.

As part of its expanded services, SSAVI is collaborating with Reach Peers through USU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Reach Peers provide students with ongoing, peer-based support and opportunities to develop skills for managing mental health and life challenges.

Students can meet with a Reach Peer for 30-45 minutes, up to once a week. Peer support can include active listening, basic emotional support, and practicing skills selected from a range of available options.

SSAVI is also providing an office space for Space Makers. Space Makers is a USU program that gives students a confidential setting to talk through life’s challenges. The Space Makers are USU students trained in conflict management and facilitation through coursework, observation, ongoing training, and practice in holding safe, exploratory conversations.

Lastly, SSAVI is also expanding its ability to serve students at USU’s Statewide Campuses through the addition of BreAnna Taylor, who is based at the USU Price campus.

Taylor has been involved with SSAVI team for several years, first serving as a volunteer and intern before formally joining the team last spring. She will be working 25 hours per week providing virtual advocacy services to USU students throughout the state.

Through virtual services, confidential advocacy can be provided to help students understand their options, connect with resources, and determine what type of support may be most helpful.

For more information about the Survivor Support, Advocacy and Violence Intervention Office and its services, visit usu.edu/ssavi or email ssavi@usu.eduMore information about the Reach Peer program is available here.

More information about the USU Space Makers program is available here.