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Victim/Survivor Advocacy

Experiencing any form of interpersonal or sexual violence can have a serious impact on a person’s ability to cope with day-to-day activities.

An advocate helps victims/survivors explore their options, understand their rights, and connect with other resources and people to build a network of support.

Below are some of the ways an advocate can assist you:

Medical Advocacy
  • Help you understand your medical options after a sexual or physical assault.
  • Accompany you to the hospital for a SANE Exam/Medical Forensic Exam.
  • Advocate for your needs and/or concerns while at the hospital.
  • Accompany you to follow-up appointments.
Legal Advocacy
  • Help answer questions about legal and reporting options available to you in regards to rape/sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and/or harassment.
  • Accompany you when filing a police report or to any legal court proceedings (such as Restraining Order hearings or court case hearings).
  • Explain and clarify the judicial process.
  • Assist in filling out and submitting any legal paperwork, such as Restraining Orders and Victim Impact Statements.
  • Act as a liaison between you and the legal system (police officers, district attorneys).
University Advocacy
  • Help you understand the University investigative process for incidents of rape/sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and/or harassment.
    • This is separate from any legal process or police reports.
  • Accompany you to file an official report with the Dean of Students Office and to any further meetings.
  • Assist in obtaining support and resources from the Dean of Students office such as:
    • adding/dropping/switching classes
    • moving residence hall buildings/rooms
    • requesting no-contact orders, etc.
Personal Advocacy
  • Discuss your thoughts and feelings after incidents of rape/sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and/or harassment.
  • Help you create a safety plan in case you feel in danger/threatened.
  • Discuss rape culture and how it manifests on a college campus.
  • Have a conversation with you and friends/families/partners to help navigate any changes in the relationship or to help others understand some of the things you may be going through.
  • Help explain your options to friends/families/partners and advocate for your decisions. YOU have the right to choose whatever decisions you feel are best in that moment.