Dating violence incidents on campus more than tripled last year, according to an annual security report. However, officials are attributing the increase in reports to victims feeling more comfortable reporting the crimes – not an increase in incidents.

The University Police (UP) annual security report shows 10 reported dating violence incidents for 2023. In 2022, only three incidents were reported. 

The report, which was released at the end of September, reflects crime rates for the USF Tampa campus. This includes on-campus and immediate surrounding areas.

Of the 10 reported incidents, eight occurred on campus. 

UP spokesperson Michael Lavelle said the increase is likely a result of stronger victim advocacy efforts at USF. 

“We are taking more reports as students develop a comfort level with coming forward and disclosing their personal circumstances,” Lavelle said. “However, we are not seeing any signs indicating an increase in the number of incidents occurring. For many years, incidents of this sort often went unreported.”

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The increase in reported incidents is nationwide, not just localized to the USF area, both Lavelle and Jonie Bernbaum, Director of the Center for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention (CVAVP), said. 

Data from the U.S Department of Education showed university dating violence incidents in the last two years to be steadily increasing back to pre-pandemic rates.

In 2019, there were 11 incidents reported on or near the Tampa campus. In 2020, that number dropped to six.

The rise in reported incidents can be attributed to a number of factors, Bernbaum said.

More in-person interactions, improved outreach efforts and support resources, and cultural shifts, such as the #MeToo movement, may all play a role in the number of reported dating violence crimes, Bernbaum said. 

“We believe this rise is driven by an increased understanding of what constitutes violence,” she said.

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CVAVP, a department of Student Success, provides free and confidential services to USF students, faculty and staff who feel they are victims of crime, violence or abuse, Bernbaum said. 

Resources include crisis intervention and advocacy, safety planning, risk assessment, emotional and academic support and assistance with legal or medical affairs, according to the center’s website. 

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Bernbaum said CVAVP’s goal is to prioritize prevention and awareness on campus.

“Prevention is at the heart of CVAVP’s mission – it’s even in our name,” Bernbaum said. “Our goal is to address root causes of violence, creating safer environments for our students.”

Some of USF’s current initiatives include informational presentations at orientations and required sexual assault prevention modules for all incoming students, Bernbaum said. 

“Embedding comprehensive prevention education throughout a student’s entire university experience is essential to reducing harm and fostering a culture of safety and respect,” she said.

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Students who feel they are victims are encouraged to reach out as quickly as possible, Lavelle said. Those affected can find support from UP, CVAVP, the USF Counseling Center, the local Crisis Center and other entities both on and off campus. 

“We encourage everyone to get help immediately if they feel they have been a victim of a crime,” Lavelle said. “We are here for you. The worst thing you can do is not say anything.”