Free and Confidential Services
The Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education is a safe and confidential place for victims of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking to receive support and advocacy. It is always the victim's/survivor’s decision whether or not to report the incident to the police or to university conduct officers.
The following is a list of service options that are provided at no cost to all University of Minnesota students, staff and faculty who are victims/survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. Many of these services can also be provided to concerned persons:
- Crisis line operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year: 612-626-9111.
- Provide a supportive, confidential, and safe environment and respect the survivor’s decision whether or not to report their victimization to appropriate authorities.
- Telephone or walk-in referral service.
- Telephone or walk-in short-term individual advocacy services including legal advocacy.
- Accompaniment to University of Minnesota hospital emergency room for evidentiary sexual assault exam, treatment for physical injuries, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
- Arrange for alternate safe housing on the University of Minnesota campus.
- When requested, assist victim/survivor to inform proper housing authorities and academic personnel.
- Assist student in contacting professors should the crime affect the survivor’s academic work.
- If the victim chooses to make a police report, TAC will serve as the liaison between the police department and victim to facilitate reporting of the crime.
- If the survivor pursues prosecution and agrees to testify, accompany victim/survivor to court.
- Write orders for protection and harassment restraining orders on site and file with appropriate court.
- Attend order for protection court hearing with survivor.
- Assist in filing (if applicable) sexual harassment complaints with University of Minnesota Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
- Assist in filing (if applicable) complaints to The Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and accompany survivors to hearings.
- Provide victim with Victim Bill of Rights and assist, when applicable, in applying for Crime Victim Reparations.
- Provide referral for appropriate legal options.
- Provide on-going supportive follow-up services.
- Assist students, when appropriate, to obtain tuition and residence hall reimbursements.
- Coordinate with faculty to arrange a change in classroom sections for safety considerations.
- Provide on-campus support group for University of Minnesota students who have experienced sexual assault or relationship violence.
For more information, see our flowchart of services.