Services
Individual Support
An advocate can confidentially explore the circumstances of the crime or abusive situation with the victim and assist the victim in stabilizing and understanding the emotions resulting from the event or situation. Advocates provide trauma-informed care and can help you understand your reactions and feelings in relation to what has happened to you.
An advocate can meet individually with victims of crime, violence or abuse to offer judgment free support to victims and help them process their experience and regain control of their lives. During this meeting the advocate will listen, empathize, and empower their client. An advocate will not force or pressure the client to discuss or disclose any information they are not comfortable sharing and will create a safe and accepting environment.
An advocate can also assist a client by exploring options, assessing for risk factors for increased violence, safety planning, and providing referrals to additional resources.
Individual and emotional support by an advocate is not the same as counseling or therapy. The work with an advocate is focused on the healing process resulting from the crime, violence or abuse while counseling is focused on addressing mental health issues or diagnoses. Advocates help process and understand how the body and brain react to trauma in an effort to help their client move through the healing process.