Victim Advocacy

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 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. She was presented with the UT Trailblazer Excellence Award from Administrative Affairs and completed the President's Trailblazer Leadership Development Program, which helped her build stronger connections across campus. For her project in the program, she secured university support to add a crosswalk on Trailblazer Blvd., enhancing pedestrian safety.