Special Victims Unit UKPDSVU@uky.edu

In 2020 The University of Kentucky Police Department created a Special Victims Unit which consists of a Special Victims Unit Lieutenant, Detective, and Victims Advocate. These dedicated professionals help victims of interpersonal violence navigate through the criminal justice system with respect and integrity.

The mission of the Special Victims Unit is to provide compassionate support services to survivors of interpersonal violence while removing barriers of reporting. We are committed to holding offenders accountable within the criminal justice system by maintaining quality police services with timely, thorough, and trauma-informed investigative techniques.

Main Functions of Special Victims Unit

Outreach

Members of the Special Victims Unit participate in community outreach programs to help with prevention, provide self-defense training and reduce barriers to reporting.

Training

Special Victims Unit members undergo specific training to provide a trauma-informed approach, minimize re-victimization, and treating survivors with compassion and respect.

Investigations

SVU conducts thorough investigations of interpersonal violence incidents and helps guide survivors throughout the process and connect survivors to a variety of resources.

Victims' Rights Marsys Law

You have the right to be treated with fairness, respect, dignity, and to be protected from intimidation or harm throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process.
You have the right, upon request, to be informed about victims’ rights, criminal proceedings, and if the accused is arrested, released, or escapes.
- To be notified, register with VINE at www.vinelink.com or call 1-800-511-1670
- If offender is in custody, click “Find an Offender”
- To be notified of court dates, click “Find an Offender Court Case”
You have the right to have your safety, dignity, and privacy to be considered.
You have the right to be heard at bond, bail release, pleas, or sentencing.
You have the right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.
You have the right to be present at criminal proceedings.
You have the right to consult with prosecution.
You have standing to assert your rights, have an attorney assert your rights, or request the attorney for the Commonwealth assert your rights.
You have the right to full restitution paid by the convicted.

Law Enforcement Options

File a police report with UKPD.

As a University police department, federal law requires us to document crimes that are reported to us. However, once a crime is reported, there is no requirement to investigate. If a survivor does not want an investigation to continue, it doesn’t have to. Call (859) 257-1616 to make a report.

Receive a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic) Exam at UK Chandler Hospital.

Survivors are encouraged to be treated for any injuries, receive prophylaxis, and collect evidence from the assault. SAFE exams are available up to 96 hours after an assault. A survivor may choose to have a SAFE done without filing a police report or interacting with law enforcement. Evidence collected from the exam will be stored for one year, in case the survivor chooses to pursue an investigation. Sexual Assault Toolkit - Kentucky Attorney General

Protective Orders

Residents of Fayette County (including temporary residents like students) are able to petition for orders of protection through the court system. A protective order mandates the amount and type of contact that a respondent can have with the petitioner (i.e. physical distance, communication type and frequency, third party contact, etc.) Find more information on protective orders here or call (859) 246-2248.

Advocacy Options

UK’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Center

Free on campus support, advocacy, referrals, education, and anti-violence activism on campus. Contact 859-257-3574.

UK’s Counseling Center

On campus counseling and crisis intervention services. Contact (859) 257-8701.

Title IX Office

On campus academic, housing, and employment accommodations and assistance for survivors of interpersonal violence, as well as independent investigations into incidents of assault, abuse, and harassment. Contact (859) 257-8927.

Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center

Free, confidential therapy, advocacy, and support services to survivors of sexual violence in Central Kentucky. Contact (859) 253-2511.

Greenhouse 17

Provides advocacy, education, shelter, and support services for survivors of dating and interpersonal violence. Contact (800) 544-2022.