Victim Advocacy Services

Overview

USF offers free and confidential* victim advocacy services to any student who has been a victim of crime, violence, or abuse.  Tampa Victim Advocacy is currently covering for St. Petersburg; and students can schedule virtual, phone, or in-person appointments (on the Tampa Campus - SVC 2057) via:

  • Phone: Office: (813) 974-5756 Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM (9 AM - 4 PM in the summer)
  • E-Mail: VA@usf.edu - Please remember that e-mail is not confidential, so feel free to minimize the details in writing and simply request a phone, virtual (Teams), or in-person (Tampa campus) meeting.

24/7 Helpline: Outside of business hours, students can call the Wellness Center main line (727-873-4422) and select option 2. An on-call mental health counselor will assess the student's needs and, if necessary, will connect the student to the on-call victim advocate. Students who have access to an iPhone can also contact the Victim Advocate by using the USF St. Petersburg Safe app, selecting Support Services, and then selecting USF St. Petersburg Victim Advocate.

What is a Victim Advocate?

An advocate is a non-judgmental professional who is trained to respond with compassion and expertise to the victims of crime, violence, and abuse. Services include:

*Limits to confidentiality: if a minor or vulnerable adult is/was involved or if the victim/survivor is currently at risk for fatally harming themselves or others, we must disclose.

Quick Access Emergency Numbers

For Tampa campus and Sarasota-Manatee campus services, click here.

  • University Police Department: 727-873-4444
  • Office of the Dean of Students: 727-873-4278
  • Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development: 727-873-5027
  • Suncoast (24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline): 727-530-7273
  • CASA (DV Advocacy & Counseling): 727-895-4912
  • Victim Assistance (St. Pete Police Dept): 727-892-5280 or 727-892-5128