What does the advocate do?

• The advocate’s focus is on supporting the survivor and easing the burden of violence. Advocates are confidential resources that provide information, both on and off campus referrals, emotional support and assist with navigating reporting systems and paperwork. The advocate can be present throughout Title IX investigations. Working with an advocate is always the survivors choice.

Advocacy Is:   

• Trauma Informed. Advocates understand the impact of trauma on all aspects on a survivor’s life.
• Always the survivor’s choice. Advocacy should work toward empowering survivors and giving voice to those impacted by violence. We are not here to tell you what to do, but to help you understand your options so you can make the decision that works best for you.
• Confidential. Survivors should be able to tell their story on their own terms only when they are ready. 

Advocacy Is Not:

• Advocacy is not therapy. While it is not mandatory, survivors are encouraged to look into therapy/counseling in addition to their work with an advocate.
• Advocacy is not medical advice. While an advocate can help survivors understand their options, they cannot provide medical advice.
• Advocacy is not legal advice. An advocate is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.