Violence Intervention Partner (VIP)

Violence Intervention Partners (VIP) is our on-campus student advocacy group. They are trained and certified, confidential victim advocates. VIP advocates support our on-campus 27/4 call and text hotline: 515-512-2972.

When to call or text VIP?

If you have experienced a sexual assault or incident of dating violence, if you are unsure if what you have experienced is an assault, or if you are having negative feelings about a sexual or dating experience, you have had.  

You can also use the VIP hotline if you are seeking advice or guidance on how to help a friend who has experienced a harmful experience. It is hard to know what to do when a friend who confides in you after an incident. VIP advocates will help you help your friend.  

How can an advocate help me?

The role of an advocate is to walk alongside you as you weigh options, make decisions, or navigate systems. Advocates can connect you with resources, listen and provide encouragement. They can help you plan for ways to stay safe before or after an incident has occurred. Should you decide that you want to make a report to the police or to Drake University, an advocate can support you through that process and accompany you to meetings. If you decide you want to go to the hospital for a sexual assault exam, VIP advocates can help make arrangements for transportation and for a professional advocate to support you at the hospital. Speaking with an advocate does not notify either the police, the hospital, your parents, or the school. Your information is kept confidential and you get to decide what options you want to pursue.

Are VIP advocates confidential?

Seeking support from a VIP peer advocate is confidential. They do not report to Drake University. Professional advocates from Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services supervise VIP advocates. This means information you share stays within the VIP program and is protected under the Iowa Code.

If they are Drake students, will I know them or will they know me?

Not necessarily. While Drake can feel like a small school, VIP advocates are from many majors and graduate programs. You do not need to provide your name. If you prefer, you can text to maintain more anonymity. You can also always ask to speak to another peer advocate or to a professional advocate, and the person answering the hotline can help make that connection. 

Professional advocates from Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services also hold office hours in the Counseling Center on Thursdays from 3-430p. You can call the Counseling Center to make an appointment with the advocate or walk-ins are welcome.  

How do I become a VIP advocate?

VIP accepts new applications in the spring of each year. Contact the Director of Prevention, lynne.cornelius@517b2b.com for more information about how to apply.