University of Kentucky - Violence Intervention and Prevention Center
 

violence intervention and prevention center

campus calendar.

division contacts.

Parent Services and Programs

frequentlyasked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is violence against women?
Violence against women includes physical or sexual assault‚ stalking‚ or other use of force‚ threat‚ intimidation‚ or harassment of a woman. It also includes the use of alcohol or drugs to commit any of these acts. These acts are inclusive of acts committed by strangers‚ friends‚ acquaintances‚ intimates‚ or other persons.

What safety–related services are available to students at UK?

C.A.T.S. Phones
With the support of Verizon Wireless®‚ the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center coordinates the C.A.T.S. (Campus Area Telephones for Safety) Program. Faculty and Staff may check out a cellular telephone for the semester to call #UKPD or 911‚ phone a friend or family member for a ride‚ call roommates‚ or dial other numbers to make them feel and be safer. Please contact the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center for information or to check out a C.A.T.S. telephone.

SAFECATS (Security Assistance for Escorting Campus Area Travelers)
(859) 323–SAFE
SAFECATS is a free escort service sponsored by Student Government and the Air Force ROTC. Whether you are going from one building to another or from one side of campus to the other‚ SAFECATS can escort you to your destination free of charge. The SAFECATS service is available Sunday–Thursday‚ 8:30 pm – 1:30 am.

CATS Bus and Shuttle Service
(859) 257–RIDE or (859) 221–RIDE
http://www.uky.edu/Parking/buses.htm
The Campus Area Transit System (CATS) fleet consists of twelve buses that support four routes serving the campus core during the fall and spring semesters as well as the Medical Center EG Yellow Shuttle‚ which operates year–round. These buses are small and maneuverable allowing for more reliable service to the campus interior. During the summer months‚ Transportation Services operates a special summer route that provides service to the entire campus. In addition‚ on–demand night service is available throughout the night.

S.T.A.R.R. (Self-Defense Techniques and Risk Reduction)
(859) 257–1616
http://www.uky.edu/Police/starr.html
Self–defense Techniques And Risk Reduction is a hands on program of self defense for women only. It is a comprehensive course that uses realistic self–defense tactics‚ along with teaching awareness‚ prevention‚ risk reduction‚ and avoidance‚ while progressing to hands–on defense training. The S.T.A.R.R. program provides women with the knowledge to make an educated decision to resist an attack‚ or to use other risk reduction techniques to avoid being victimized.

What should I do if a loved one is a victim of violence against women?
If a loved one contacts you in imminent crisis or danger‚ call 911 for campus or community police assistance. You do not need to be with the victim to call the police on her behalf if her safety is compromised.

There are several ways to support a victim in a non–emergency.

Listen to her story‚ provide support to her‚ and refrain from judgment. “I’m glad you told me. I believe you and I’m sorry this happened.“ Let the person know this has happened to others like her. If the person chooses not to accept the opportunity to talk‚ then do not pressure her. Her need must always be a priority.

Provide options to her and let her make choices. “Do you want to speak to someone about this? Do you want to go to the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center? Do you need medical attention?”

Provide the person with information. Give her the contact information for the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center in case she would like to follow up with someone later. Let her know that there are programs and services in place on and off campus to support her and increase her safety. The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center can assist a person in accessing medical‚ counseling‚ academic and/or practical services available both on and off UK’s campus.

What services are available to victims of violence against women through the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center?
The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center provides advocacy services to survivors of violence in the UK community. The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center can provide assistance in accessing and navigating services‚ resources‚ and referrals both on and off campus. Services include academic advocacy‚ medical advocacy‚ counseling referrals‚ financial advocacy‚ referral advocacy‚ and other practical needs that a student may request.

In addition to the above intervention services‚ the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center provides other services designed to prevent violence against women on UK’s campus. The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center offers tailored educational programming for students and staff about violence against women‚ including sexual assault‚ stalking‚ and physical assault. Educational programs are ideal for residence hall meetings‚ student organization presentations‚ sorority and fraternity meetings‚ and other student gatherings. In addition‚ the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center serves to consult with members of the UK community by phone or in person to provide information‚ resources‚ and referrals regarding violence against women. By request‚ the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center also offers training programs for faculty‚ staff‚ and administration. Program topics can include: responding effectively to violence against women; creating a safe campus/classroom/office; campus and community resources and referrals‚ and other topics as requested.

If you are a concerned parent‚ please do not hesitate to contact our office with questions or suggestions.

violence intervention and prevention center . university of kentucky . 106 frazee hall . lexington‚ ky . 40506–0031 . (859) 257–3564 . fax (859) 323–3646