Who can be an advocate?
- Family member, friend or a person from an advocacy service.
- The CARE Team is an on-campus resource that serves as an advocate for student victims. Visit the Dean of Students Case Management page for contact information and referral and response advice.
- The is an off-campus advocacy service. It can be reached at 607-722-4256 or by making an appointment with the on-campus CVAC representative at the VARCC.
Role of advocates
Support
- Listens to, believes, emotionally supports and acts in the best interests of the victim.
- Respects the victim and does what's possible to make the victim comfortable.
- Does not judge the victim or their lifestyle.
- Acts as the spokesperson for the victim if and when they cannot do so, with family, friends, professionals, etc.
Inform
- Explains the advocate role, the systems and the processes that apply in each situation.
- Offers choices and explains options to the victim and supports their decisions.
- Informs victims of relevant, available services in the community.
- Assists with various forms of safety planning.
- Helps victims understand the roles of other professionals.
- Educates victims about Crime Victims' compensation.
Be present
- Assures that victims are treated fairly and in accordance with their rights in New York state.
- Provides accompaniment to court, police stations, hospitals, appointments, etc., as needed and wanted.
- Is present and/or nearby at court, police stations, hospitals, etc., in order to advocate for the victim.
- Acts as a liaison between the victim, other professionals and other systems.
- Educates other professionals to the role of the victim advocate.
- Does not confront other professionals in a way that could further traumatize the victim.