About Advocates

An advocate supports the survivor by providing comfort, information, and viable options to the survivor and the survivor’s family. An advocate knows how the court system works and is the survivor’s personal link to the medical, police and court systems. She ensures that the survivor is provided with all options, both medically and legally, so the survivor can make informed decisions. From the time of the assault to the court trial, the advocate will follow the case and keep the survivor informed of its status.

Medical Advocacy
Medical advocacy is a crisis intervention service that is available on a 24-hour basis. A rape crisis advocate meets with the survivor at the hospital. In the immediate aftermath of rape, survivors face a host of medical decisions. They have concerns such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and other problems that may result from the assault. Medical advocates are skilled in explaining procedures and sensitively lending support to the victims, their families, and significant others.

Legal Advocacy
After sexual assault, the law enforcement and court process can be a confusing and intimidating process for survivors. Legal advocates explain the process and clarify the options available to the survivors and their families. Serving as a liaison with the police and state's attorney's office, an advocate lends nonjudgmental support to the survivor, assists in reporting the crime to law enforcement, helps prepare the survivor for court, and attends the court dates with the survivor.

Supplemental Information
For more information about advocacy, click on the links to the following brochures:

After Sexual Assault (Downloadable brochure)

A Guide to Advocacy Services