Confidential Advocacy

What is confidential advocacy?

• The Director of the Violence Awareness & Response Program is a confidential advocate. Because the advocate is confidential, they are not required to report anything a student or colleague says to the university Title IX or law enforcement. Reporting only occurs if (1) the student or colleague impacted wants that to occur, or (2) where required by law, which includes disclosure of self-harm, an imminent threat of harm to others, child abuse, or elder abuse.

Advocacy is a non-judgmental space.

It includes:

• Listening and talking through what the student or colleague feels comfortable sharing/might recall about the experience
• Consideration of immediate and long-term safety concerns
• Exploring different short and long-term resource options 
• Connection with campus and/or community resource who can provide:
• • Counseling
  • Medical or forensic exams, prophylaxis (STI prevention), and/or pregnancy prevention
  • Assistance with housing changes or temporary housing
  • Assistance with academic success: getting extended deadlines, communicating with professors, changing class schedules, etc.
  • For employees of MNSU Mankato, assistance through Human Resources

Important things to know about this resource:

• Confidential advocacy through the Violence Awareness & Response Program is provided at no cost to our campus.
• Confidential advocacy is optional. Although we encourage that individuals connect with us, we never require anyone to schedule a meeting or have that be a part of their healing process.
• Confidential advocacy is open to our students and colleagues at any time, regardless of whether violence/abuse happened recently, a long time ago, or is ongoing.

Meeting with the Violence Awareness & Response Program (VARP)

• Confidential advocacy is available Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Evening appointments may be scheduled upon request. For emergencies and support outside of our operating hours, please contact the Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) using their 24/7 hotline: 1-800-477-0466.
• How to reach us:
• Schedule an appointment: Sign up for a one-hour appointment using Bookings, email varp@mnsu.edu or by call 507-389-5127
• Walk-ins to CSU 218 are welcome, and we will see students as we are available
• Based on the needs and wishes of the student/colleague, additional appointments can be scheduled to ensure necessary steps are being taken to protect safety & wellbeing.