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Project Safe

Immediate Help

If you need help right now, you are not alone.
Project Safe advocates are available to support you 24 hours a day — whether something just happened, you’re unsure what to do next, or you simply need someone to listen.

If this is an Emergency

On Campus: Call VUPD at (615) 421-1911  |  Off Campus: Call 911

Contact Project Safe

  • Urgent Support (24/7)

    Call 615-322-7233 to speak with a trained Project Safe advocate anytime—day or night—to ask questions, receive support, and explore options.

  • General Support

    Call 615-875-0660 for non-urgent questions or visit us Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • Schedule an Appointment

    Appointments are available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., in person, virtually, or by phone. To schedule, call 615-875-0660.

What to Do After an Assault

  • Medical Care & Forensic Exam

    Medical Care:

    Medical Service Providers – CONFIDENTIAL (but required to notify law enforcement when a person seeks treatment for injuries caused by a violent crime)

    If needed, VUPD provides a walking escort service by calling (615) 421-8888

    Forensic Exam:

    If the victim requests a forensic examination, one can be performed at the Student Health Center (Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) or the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) (24/7/365) by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on site. Please note that medical treatment and a forensic examination may aid in the preservation of relevant evidence. Even victims who are unsure as to whether or not they want to make a police report or take action against the respondent may wish to have a forensic examination; having a forensic exam facilitates the identification and preservation of physical evidence associated with the assault.

    Tennessee law requires all medical personnel to report to law enforcement when a person seeks treatment for injuries caused by a violent crime, including sexual assault. Medical personnel are also required to report to law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services when a minor presents for treatment for any injury or condition that reasonably indicates it was caused by violence or abuse, including physical or sexual abuse. Medical personnel are also required to report to law enforcement and/or Adult Protective Services when certain vulnerable adults present and there is reasonable belief that they are victims of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

  • How Project Safe Can Support

    • Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling 615-322-7233.

    • Upon request, Project Safe specialists can meet students at a medical provider, law enforcement agency, or other designated location to offer support. This may include accompanying students to the Student Health Center or the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department for post-assault care or a forensic exam.

    • Individuals seen at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department—including students, faculty or staff members, and postdoctoral fellows/trainees—may also access victim support through the Nashville Sexual Assault Center.

Preserve Evidence (Immediate priority, if desired)

  • What NOT to do
    • If you have recently been assaulted and wish to preserve evidence, we advise: Do not:
      • change clothes or bedding (until evidence is collected)
      • shower, bathe, douche, or clean up (until evidence is collected)
      • wash or discard items that may hold evidence
    • Evidence may still be available even if clothes were changed or the victim has showered/cleaned up.
      • If clothing or bedding must be moved:
        • keep each item separate to prevent transfer of fluids or trace evidence
        • leave items unfolded and undisturbed when possible
  • How to preserve digital & physical evidence

    Preserve digital/communication evidence by not deleting:

    • texts or call logs
    • photos, videos, screenshots
    • messages on apps or social media (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tinder, Grindr, etc.)
    • emails and voicemails
    • written notes or physical documents

Reporting Options

Sexual Misconduct (Title IX)

Submit concerns to the Title IX Office; completing this form shares information and prompts follow-up about resources and options, but does not automatically start an investigation.

Discrimination or Harassment

Report concerns of discrimination or harassment through Equal Access (non-emergency); questions may be directed to equalaccess@vanderbilt.edu.

Vanderbilt University Police Department

Contact VUPD to report a crime, preserve evidence, and receive support from responding officers (Emergency: 615-421-1911 | Non-Emergency: 615-322-2745).

The Immunity Rule - Eligibility for Immunity from Disciplinary Action

Vanderbilt recognizes that individuals with information about sexual misconduct may be hesitant to provide that information if they fear that in doing so, they would have to reveal their own violation of other University policies. Therefore, while Vanderbilt does not condone any violations of its policies, the University will generally extend immunity for possession or use of alcohol or drugs and any resulting intoxication to students, and may extend such immunity to other individuals, in order to facilitate reporting and investigation of sexual misconduct incidents. Individuals may be provided with resources on or referred for drug and alcohol assessment, counseling and/or education, as appropriate.

Wellbeing Support

Student Care Network

The Student Care Network works to ensure students have access to a wide range of on-campus and community support and resources

Text an Unaffiliated Crisis Counselor

Text VANDY to 741741 to talk with an unaffiliated crisis counselor from Crisis Text Line.

Vanderbilt Telehealth

Students who have paid the required fees are eligible for this all-in-one platform with free virtual services and can create an account using a Vanderbilt email address.

Additional Support

  • Vanderbilt University Resources

    Contact Information for Resources
    Any member of the Vanderbilt University community who has experienced sexual misconduct may seek immediate and/or ongoing assistance from one or more of the following resources. The resources listed will provide assistance whether or not the victim chooses to make a report to the Title IX Office or law enforcement, or to participate in an investigation.

    Victim Advocacy Services – CONFIDENTIAL (LIMITED)

    • Vanderbilt Project Safe Center Support Line (24/7/365): 615-322-SAFE (7233)

    Law Enforcement – NOT CONFIDENTIAL; VUPD IS MANDATORY REPORTER

    • Vanderbilt University Police Department: 615-322-2745
      Emergency: 911 or 615-421-1911
    • Metro Nashville Police Department: 615-862-8600
      Emergency: 911

    Medical Service Providers – CONFIDENTIAL (but required to notify law enforcement when a person seeks treatment for injuries caused by a violent crime)

    • Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Services: 615-322-0160
    • For Students: Student Health Center: 615-322-2427
    • For Faculty and Staff: Occupational Health Clinic: 615-936-0955

    Counseling Services – CONFIDENTIAL

    • For Students:
      • Vanderbilt University Counseling Center: 615-322-2571
      • Vanderbilt Center for Spiritual and Religious Life: 615-322-2457
    • For Faculty and Staff:
      • Work/Life Connections – Employee Assistance Program: 615-936-1327
      • Faculty and Physician Wellness Program: 615-936-1327
      • Nurse Wellness Program: 615-936-1327

    Resources in the Community – NO MANDATORY REPORT TO VANDERBILT

    • Sexual Assault Center Hotline: 1-800-879-1999
    • YWCA Crisis and Information Line: 615-242-1199
    • St. Thomas Midtown Hospital Emergency Department: 615-284-5555
    • Nashville General Hospital at Meharry Emergency Department: 615-341-4000
    • TriStar Centennial Medical Center Emergency Department: 615-342-1000
  • Local Resources

    These local resources are external to Vanderbilt:

    The materials on this page are here to provide information and guidance. Project Safe does not endorse any information or materials from external parties.

  • National Resources

    These national resources are external to Vanderbilt:

    The materials on this page are here to provide information and guidance. Project Safe does not endorse any information or materials from external parties.