Victim Resources Guide
Resource Guide for Individuals Impacted by Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, or Sexual Assault
If you are visiting this webpage, it might be because you are a member UTHealth Houston or UT MD Anderson communities and may have experienced, witnessed, or been affected by dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. We recognize that reading this information may come at a difficult or overwhelming moment. You do not have to decide what to do right away, and you do not have to navigate this alone.
This webpage is intended to provide clear, supportive information about immediate safety, reporting options, confidential resources, supportive measures, and ways to learn more when you are ready. You may choose the options that feel safest and most helpful for you.
Immediate Safety
If violence is occurring or there is an immediate threat of violence, call 911. For campus police assistance, contact The University of Texas Police at Houston (UT Police): 713-792-2890.
Reporting Options
Reporting to law enforcement is optional. You may choose whether to contact local police, campus police, a Title IX office, or any combination of these options:
| UT Police at Houston |
911 for emergencies |
| UTHealth Houston |
Margaret McNeese, M.D., Title IX Coordinator 713-500-CALL (2255) |
| UT MD Anderson | Sheri Wakefield, Clery Act and Title IX Coordinator 713-745-6174 [email protected] www.mdanderson.org/campussafety |
Preserving Evidence
If it is safe to do so, preserve evidence that may support a report or protective order, such as text messages, call logs, social media messages, photographs, videos, clothing, or other physical evidence.
After a sexual assault, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exam can be performed within 96 hours of the incident, whether you choose to file a police report or not. A “non-report sexual assault exam” or sexual assault examination without police involvement is confidential and all evidence collected during the exam is securely stored and only released with your written consent. If possible, seek care as soon as you can and avoid showering, douching, or changing clothes before the exam.
Supportive Measures
Whether or not you make a police report or file a formal complaint with UTHealth Houston or UT MD Anderson, free individualized support services may be available to you. Examples include counseling referrals, academic or work adjustments, housing or transportation support, campus escort services, mutual no-contact restrictions, leaves of absence, and increased security or monitoring when appropriate. Learn more about support resources by contacting your institution’s Title IX Office.
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Rights
- Reports are handled as privately as possible and shared only as needed for safety, support, investigation, or compliance obligations.
- Texas law allows some victims to request use of a pseudonym in public law enforcement records related to the offense. If you elect to use a pseudonym and provide a completed pseudonym form to the law enforcement agency, your name will be removed from all reports, files, and records. However, the pseudonym form can/will be disclosed to the defendant and their attorney.
Texas Crime Victims Rights
A victim of violent crime is (1) someone who is the victim of sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery, or who has suffered bodily injury or death because of the criminal conduct of another; (2) the close relative of a deceased victim; or (3) the guardian of a victim. Victims have the right to:
- Adequate protection from harm and threats of harm connected to their cooperation with prosecution.
- Have their safety considered during bail decisions, and may request advance notice of court proceedings, cancellations, and rescheduling.
- Request information from a peace officer about criminal investigation procedures, bail, plea agreements, restitution, appeals, parole, and other criminal justice processes.
- Provide information about the impact of the crime before sentencing and may complete a Victim Impact Statement for consideration at sentencing and before offender release.
- Be present at public court proceedings with the judge’s consent, have access to a safe waiting area, receive prompt return of property no longer needed as evidence, and request the prosecutor notify their employer when their testimony requires absence from work.
- Sexual assault victims may receive payment for a medical examination requested by law enforcement and may request counseling related to AIDS/HIV infection and testing.
Notice to Adult Victims of Family Violence: It is a crime for any person to cause you any physical injury or harm, even if that person is a member or former member of your family or household. Please tell the investigating peace officer if: You, your child or any other household resident has been injured; or You believe you will be in danger after the officer(s) leaves. You have a right to:
- Ask the local prosecutor to file a criminal complaint.
- Apply to a court for a protective order, with help from a legal aid, a prosecuting attorney, or a private attorney.
- Request a Magistrate’s Order for Emergency Protection if a family or household member assaults you and is arrested, free of charge. Inform the investigating officer.
For more information about the Texas Crime Victims Rights, visit:
Title IX Investigation & Disciplinary Procedures
- Title IX offices may initiate an investigation of sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, or dating violence under UTHealth Houston’s HOOP Policy 59, Prohibition of Sexual Harassment & Sexual Misconduct, and UT MD Anderson’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policy (ADM0285), as applicable.
- Complainants and Respondents in Title IX investigation processes have the right to a prompt, fair, and impartial process; and may be accompanied by an advisor of their choice.
- UTHealth Houston and UT MD Anderson use the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning decisions are based on whether it is “more likely than not” that a policy violation occurred.
Key Campus Resources
| Resource | Contact |
| UT Police at Houston | 911 emergency 713-792-2890 non-emergency 713-792-STOP behaviors of concern www.utph.org |
| UTHealth Houston Student Health Services and Student Counseling | 713-500-5171 www.uth.edu/studenthealth |
| UTHealth Houston Employee Assistance Program | 713-500-3327 www.uth.edu/hr/department/eap |
| UTHealth Houston Faculty Assistance Program | 713-500-3380 |
| UTHealth Houston University Ombuds | 713-500-3457 |
| UT MD Anderson Employee Assistance Program | 713-745-6901 |
| UT MD Anderson Ombuds Office | 713-792-4896 [email protected] |
Community & 24/7 Support
| Resource | Contact |
| Houston Area Women’s Center | 713-528-2121 domestic violence hotline 713-528-7273 sexual assault hotline www.hawc.org |
| Crisis Intervention of Houston | 832-416-1177 hotline Text: 281-201-4430 www.crisishotline.org |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | 800-799-7233 www.thehotline.org |
| RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline | 800-656-4673 www.rainn.org |
| Crisis Text Line | Text START to 741741 |
| VINELink | 1-877-TX4-VINE www.vinelink.com |