Advocacy Reference Tool

Advocates:  you can refer to this document as it makes sense in your work with a client. Remember to be flexible depending on the client’s needs and the goal of advocacy.

Assessment of Immediate Need

• Establish rapport
  • Assure them that you believe them
  • Use nonjudgmental listening skills
  • Reassure them that it is not their fault and that the perpetrator is responsible
• How are they right now?
• Where are they right now?
• Is that a safe place?
• Are they alone or with others?
• Are they able to talk freely?

Definition of Problem/Crisis

• Explanation of agency services
  • Confidentiality
  • Mandated reporting (child abuse and neglect, vulnerable adults, self-harm or harm to others)
• Why did they call/come in?
• Can they express what they need?
• Explain role of advocate, be more specific with each new topic or issue

Assessment of Medical Need

• Do they recognize any immediate medical needs?
• Explain possible medical needs
  • Pregnancy
  • STIs, HIV
  • Injuries
• Explain immediacy of, and the procedures involved in, collecting medical-legal evidence
• Evidence is used to document:
  • Victim’s concern
  • Recent sexual intercourse
  • Evidence of trauma
  • Possible identification of assailant
• Instruct them not to bathe or douche and to preserve clothing and other evidence
• Ask about transportation needs, help make arrangements if needed
• Reaffirm that an advocate is available to accompany and arrange for a meeting if desired

Assessment of Survivor’s Legal Needs

• Assess survivor’s desire to report to law enforcement
  • Explain the process of reporting, implications of reporting and criminal justice system process
  • Address mandated reporting again (if applicable)
  • Explain Crime Victim’s Compensation and the requirement to report
  • If concerns are expressed about circumstance of the assault or treatment by law enforcement, clarify the reality as you understand it in your community
  • Explain possible ways to report and options for advocate support during this process
• Assess survivor’s desire to obtain a protection order
  • Explain options (SAPO, DVPO, Vulnerable Adult, Anti-Harassment)
  • Explain process for obtaining full order, process for obtaining emergency/temporary order, hearing for perpetrator to respond
  • Assist with paperwork if survivor decides to obtain an order

Explanation of Follow-Up and Closure of Initial Contact

• Reaffirm belief, support for them and their strengths
• Get name and phone number or arrange next contact
• Explain how they can contact you
• Remind them of medical follow-up if medical exam was completed
• Remind them of other agency services and referrals that you can offer

Ongoing Peer Counseling and Support

• How are they feeling now?
• How do they define the problem now?
• Have their needs changed?
• Allow them to express feelings
• How will they care for themself?
• Who are their support people?
• Reinforce that it is ok to take care of themself no matter what their responsibilities may be
• Reaffirm that an advocate is available for them, significant others and for medical, legal and other court accompaniment