Utah Tech Police Department

Victim Advocacy

Utah Tech Police Department Victim Assistance is committed to ensuring that each victim is treated with respect and the victim’s concerns are validated. We provide information on resources that are available on and off campus, regardless of whether someone wants to report the incident to law enforcement.  We are here to help, so please reach out to us!

Sexual Assault Survivor Guide

Victim-Survivor Advocacy:

Please contact UTPD’s system-based Victim Advocate for available services and refer to the Victim Assistance Pamphlet for additional information.

The pamphlet also lists bill of rights for victims and witnesses, suggestions to follow after a sexual assault and resources available in the community and on campus.

For detailed information about protective orders and victim advocate contacts in Washington County, please refer to the Protective Orders & Community Resources handout.

Teresa Starnes

Utah Tech Victim Advocate

Teresa Starnes serves as the department’s Police Records Administrator and System-Based Victim Advocate. She completed Rape Crisis Advocacy Training with the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault. She received the “Advocacy in Action” Award from the Utah Council on Victims of Crime in recognition of her dedication to supporting survivors. Acting as a liaison between victims and the criminal justice system, Teresa stays current on legislation regarding victims’ rights and regularly attends training sessions related to police records and victim advocacy. When someone comes to speak with Teresa, she listens and shares information about the services and resources available to them, both on campus and in the community, regardless of whether they choose to report the incident to law enforcement. Teresa and her team also added the Survivor Guide to the department website. This allows staff to use it when speaking with survivors, helping ensure each person has the information they need to make the best decision for themselves.

Contact

Teresa Starnes

Victim Advocate

Email: Teresa.Starnes@utahtech.edu

Phone: Office: 435-652-7515

Office: North/East Corner of the Burns Arena

Work Cell

Phone: 435-236-4000