Rape Victim Advocacy

Rape is considered to be a rather taboo subject.  It is not often discussed in regular conversations.  What most people know about rape and the aftermath is from televisions shows like Law and Order: SVU.  But these shows only focus on the process of catching the perpetrator and getting a conviction. More often than not, there is no focus on how the victims cope with the traumatic experience.  This is where rape victim advocates come into play.  Most advocates are normal people who volunteer to help the men and women who are sexually assaulted. They go through rigorous training (one site I found said 40 hours of training).

Here are many of the services that an advocate can provide (found at Rape Victim Advocacy Program):

• Providing information about the trauma of rape.
• Explaining the available options to the victim.
• Accompanying and supporting the victim during a sexual assault examination.
• Accompanying and supporting the victim during police interviews.
• Accompanying and supporting the victim during court proceedings.
• Accompanying and supporting the victim during University of Iowa proceedings.
• Helping the victim with accommodations regarding school and/or work.
• Providing the victim with referrals to other resources.
• Helping the victim with follow-up counseling and support.
• Assisting family members, friends and significant others

Advocates provide the victim with legal and medical information throughout the duration of the case.  But most importantly, they provide emotional support. An advocate can be thought of as the protector of the victim.  The advocate will not allow anything to happen that could, in any way, jeopardize the mental or physical health of the victim. An advocate can easily become the closest person to a rape victim.