Advocates are professionals trained to provide immediate and ongoing support to victims of crime such as listening, being present, ensuring confidentiality, informing you of your rights, answering questions about and providing emotional support for any medical or criminal justice processes, identifying resources and options for immediate needs, long-term support, and payment (i.e., childcare, food, transportation, safe shelter, and medical and court accompaniment, etc.), assisting with creating a safety plan, and assisting with plans for healing.
Advocates do not participate in the gathering of evidence, fact-finding, or investigating of the assault, provide an opinion on the merits of the case, conduct the medical-forensic or law enforcement interviews, or testify in court.