Confidential Advocates

  • You are not alone.

    Advocates are here to help and support you. Many offer 24 hour services.

  • No one deserves to experience violence.

    No one deserves harm, and no one has the right to harm you, regardless of your decisions or choices.

  • Sexual Assault is not about sex.

    Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking are not about sex. They are about a person using power & control to harm someone else.

  • You have options.

    Advocates can help you navigate all the options available to you.

Learn More About Confidential Advocacy

 

What does an Advocate do?

 

Advocates are professionals with specialized training to support people who have experienced violence. Advocates will believe you, listen to you, and support you. Advocates will not tell you what to do, or make choices for you. Instead, they can help you learn more about what services and options are available to you, and support and empower you as you navigate these resources. Scroll down this page to see examples of services and resources an Advocate can help you with.

 

Do I have to pay to meet with an Advocate?

 

No. Advocates are a free service. You do not have to pay to meet with an advocate. Many schools have advocates on campus (click here to learn more about what resources your school has), and every county in Oregon has a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocacy Agency, which employs advocates for your area.

 

Will an Advocate share my information with other people?

 

In most instances, no. Anything you speak about with an advocate is “privileged” (similar to your communication with a doctor or lawyer), and protected under Oregon law. An advocate cannot legally share anything that you tell them without your written permission. When meeting with an advocate, they will explain to you how your information is protected, and information about any limits to when they can keep your information confidential.

The exception to this rule is if you report child abuse to a campus-based advocate, including violence you experience if you are under the age of 18. Advocates that are employed by colleges and universities in Oregon must report child abuse to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and sometimes law enforcement.

Click here to learn more about information and resources for students that are under the age of 18.

What are some ways an Advocate can help me?

Advocates are great at navigating systems, resources, and safety planning. Here are some examples of ways that Advocates can support you:

  • Safety Planning: Create a safety plan that works for your unique circumstances and needs.

  • Basic Needs: Find resources for housing, food, medicine/medical care, and other basic needs after you have experienced violence.

  • Medical Care: Go to the hospital for a medical exam, help you find medical care in your area.

  • Housing: Understand what emergency housing is available in your area or on your campus, help you work with your landlord to break or change a lease and change locks, access emergency shelter programs, etc.

  • Navigating Offices & Forms on Campus: Work with financial aid, the registrar, or other offices on campus.

  • Academic Supports: Identify academic supportive measures (including class or schedule changes, housing changes, access to counseling or medical services on campus, etc.) when your academics are impacted.

  • Reporting On Campus: Understand the Title IX reporting process on your campus, and support you during an investigation (if you choose to report).

  • Reporting Off Campus: File a report with law enforcement, help you learn more about and file for protective orders with law enforcement, accompany you to court, and/or support you as you navigate the criminal justice system.

  • Connect you to more information about your school’s efforts to prevent violence, including existing programming, education, practices, and policies.

  • And so much more! Advocates are skilled in listening to what your needs are, and helping you find resources that can help with your individual circumstance.