UPD hiring victim advocate

University Police is hiring a third victim advocate this Fall.

The department’s Victim Services Program has had two advocates since its founding in 1993, said Annie Carper, a UPD victim advocate. But over the last five years, the number of people asking for victim advocates has risen.

“It’s been a steady climb,” she said.

Victim advocates help those who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, identity theft or are experiencing grief, Carper said.

In the past year, the two advocates have helped more than 260 people, she said. UPD’s Office of Victim Services serves all UF students and faculty, UF Health Hospital patients and non-students who are victimized on campus.

By having a third advocate, Carper said she hopes UPD will be able to expand education efforts to tell students about the resources available to them if they are victims.  

“Our campus as a whole has worked incredibly diligently to create a culture of support,” Carper said. “We’ve been operating as two, so the third person will be incredibly helpful.”

Nicole Bowen, a UF finance freshman, said she’s glad UF is getting another advocate.

“I think it’s cool that the school is kind of engaged with the national conversation,” the 17-year-old said.

Those interested in applying can go to explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/498494/victim-advocate.