After a Rice University student was found dead in her dorm room in an apparent murder-suicide, the topic of domestic violence on college campuses is at the forefront of discussions.
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Domestic violence comes in many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual violence. Although not every form of abuse is treated the same legally, these situations can still be dangerous for an individual or escalate to a dangerous level very quickly.
These situations can be difficult to report, especially when the victim fears for their safety. However, college campuses that are popular among Houstonians offer resources to anonymously report that you or your child might be in a dangerous relationship on a college campus.
University of Houston
The University of Houston recommends that anyone involved in a form of domestic violence—ranging anywhere from mild to severe—contact UHPD at 713-743-3333. You can also contact university authorities with non-emergency reports via email at police@uh.edu.
Rice University
Rice offers the SAFE Office, which provides support to students who report domestic and interpersonal violence and management of these situations. The office also looks to provide education on domestic violence, sexual harassment and Title IX, among other topics in the realm. The SAFE Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays in the Morton L. Rich Student Health Center, but you can contact the office any time at 713-348-3311.
Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University has resources in place for students to report incidents on campus, including domestic violence. The school offers the LiveSafe app, which students can use to quickly report situations and speak directly to campus police. Students can also report situations through the school’s tip line at 713-313-7847.
University of Texas at Austin
At the University of Texas, victims can report to student emergency services at 512-471-5017. Students can also contact campus police by dialing 911. The university makes it a point to remind students that reporting to university police does not mean victims must file charges. For medical concerns related to domestic situations, students may contact the campus’s university health services nurse hotline at 512-475-6877.
Texas A&M University
At Texas A&M, reports of domestic or interpersonal violence are made through the Department of Civil Rights and Equity Investigations (CREI). You can make anonymous reports to the department as well as local law enforcement. You can also contact Jennifer Smith, the Title IX coordinator and assistant vice president at 979-458-8407. The department can be reached by email at CivilRights@tamu.edu.
Baylor University
Baylor offers the Baylor Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office, which provides resources for victims of domestic violence. The office can be reached by phone at 254-710-8454 or by email at titleix_coordinator@baylor.edu. Emails can also be reported anonymously at baylor.edu/ethicspoint.
Texas Tech University
There are several options to report domestic violence situations at Texas Tech. Students may report the situation to university police at 806-742-3931, or the TTU Student Health Services at 806-742-2848. For confidential mental health resources, students may contact the TTU Student Counseling Center at 806-742-3674.
Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.