Advocacy

Advocacy services aim to encourage and empower survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Advocates guide survivors through the healing process, support friends and family, and provide education about the issues surrounding sexual assault and abuse.

While a survivor is in the emergency department, advocates support them through the forensic medical exam, assist with immediate safety planning, provide local resources, help the survivor navigate the complex criminal justice system and inform them of their rights in the criminal process. Read the complete statute for Washington state’s rights of victims, survivors and witnesses.

Survivors of sexual assault have the right to:

• Be believed
• Receive nonjudgmental support
• Choose and control their own pace and path of healing
• Have an advocate present
• Have privacy and confidentiality
• Accept or decline any agency service
• Receive accurate and current information
• Regain control over their body

Advocacy services are provided free of charge to any individual whose life has been impacted by sexual assault, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, income, veteran status, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.