UNT awarded grant to assist victims of crime

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 - 19:38
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DENTON (UNT), Texas – For the second year in a row, the University of North Texas has been awarded the Other Victim Assistance Grant by the Texas Office of the Attorney General, which can be used to help students if they are victims of crime on- or off-campus. UNT has been awarded a $25,000 grant, which will be used during the 2016-2017 academic year.

UNT Dean of Students Maureen McGuinness said that the grant will help the university broaden its efforts to help students.

"This is a huge opportunity for UNT to be able to expand our reach and assist students who need it," she said. "We are fully committed to assisting students who are victims of crime and to educate our community on what resources are available to students who may need them."

Renée McNamara, full-time UNT Survivor Advocate in the Dean of Students Office, assists students who are impacted by violence on campus. She said the grant will allow the university to continue to advocate on behalf of students.

"UNT is excited to receive this grant to provide more services to students at UNT," McNamara said. "If a crime occurs, students need to know they are not alone and we are here to help!"

The grant money will be used to hire a part-time survivor advocate, who will meet with students to discuss reporting options, schedule counseling appointments, arrange for follow-up medical care, assist with housing and classroom accommodations and refer students to a variety of other resources. The grant also includes an emergency fund to help with any immediate monetary needs that might arise as the result of a crime as well as training for staff to stay up-to-date on best practices.

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