Violence Intervention Prevention Center
Image of table in VIP Center.

Tips for TAs

At the VIP Center, we believe that no one has to do everything, but everyone can do something.  We specialize in manageable “Green Dots” students, staff and faculty can do to make a big difference in violence prevention on our campus. A Green Dot is any moment when one says or does something to support a culture of nonviolence, which is essential to a successful academic experience. We offer a variety of ways to participate in this mission because we are convinced that the reduction of power-based personal violence (partner violence, stalking, and sexual assault) depends on everyone's commitment.


Here are some options that might work for you:

  • You are in a unique position that allows you to influence students. Use that influence to support a campus culture that is responsive to victims of violence, intolerant of all forms of violence, and proactively insistent on safety for everyone.
    • Show support of the Green Dot by wearing a green dot pin.
    • Post a Green Dot flyer in your department, office, or classroom and keep some resource cards with you so you can provide a student with a 24-hour crisis line or other contacts for help
    • Bring students to the VIP Center to check out the space, find out how to get involved and get some free Green Dot gear

  • Take notice of some possible warning signs (below) and be willing to check in with students to see if everything is ok.
    • Change in attendance
    • Calls/visits from partner
    • Change in personality
    • Change in quality of work

  • If a student has been impacted by power-based personal violence and they come to you for help:
    • Listen to and validate their story.
    • Let them know that you believe them and it wasn't their fault
    • Connect them with the VIP Center for more help and resources: Lower Level of Frazee Hall, 859-257-3574, www.uky.edu/studentaffairs/vipcenter.