The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance was created in 1991 by recommendation of the University Acquaintance Rape Task Force. Under the leadership of Ruth Anne Koenick, the office became a University Department in 1995 (called the Department of Sexual Assault Services), and has grown to serve Rutgers community members who are victims of all types of crime. Today, VPVA is committed to offering innovative services, programs, and events designed to meet the needs of the members of the Rutgers Community and beyond.