ADVOCACY SUPPORT
Free, Practical Support for Survivors of Crime
Protect your time, energy, and wellbeing.
WHY AN ADVOCATE?
Volare’s Advocacy Services
After experiencing a crime, it can be difficult to know where to turn or what to do next. You may have questions about your safety, your rights, or where to find help. You may also need support with immediate concerns like housing, transportation, or accessing services.
Volare's advocates provide free, confidential support to survivors of crime, including accompaniment and emotional support at hospitals following sexual assault, help accessing resources, and guidance navigating difficult situations.
An advocate is someone who listens to your concerns, helps you understand your options, and supports you in making decisions that are right for you. You remain in control of your choices.
How We Can Help
Understanding Your Options
You don't need to have a plan before contacting us. An advocate can listen to your concerns, help you identify priorities, and explain what resources or services may be available.
Hospital Response and Accompaniment After Sexual Assault
If you go to a hospital after experiencing sexual assault, you may be able to receive support from a Volare advocate.
Our advocates provide emotional support, explain available options, and help you understand what to expect during the hospital process, including a sexual assault forensic exam (sometimes called a rape kit). They can help you ask questions, communicate your needs, and connect with additional resources. You do not have to report a sexual assault to the police to receive support from an advocate. Our role is to support your decisions, not make them for you. You decide what care and services you want to receive.
Finding Resources and Practical Support
Advocates can help connect you with resources for immediate needs, including emergency housing, transportation, financial assistance, and other community services, depending on availability.
Navigating Systems and Services
Interacting with hospitals, courts, law enforcement, and other institutions can be overwhelming. Advocates can help you understand processes, prepare for conversations, connect with appropriate resources, and explore available support.
Planning for Your Safety and Well-Being
An advocate can work with you to identify safety concerns, consider your options, and develop a plan that reflects your circumstances and priorities.
Connecting With Other Services
If you need legal assistance, therapy, or other specialized support, an advocate can help you explore available services within Volare or through community partners.
24/7 sexual assault CRISIS SUPPORT
Support After Sexual Assault
If you have experienced sexual assault, you do not have to navigate what comes next alone. Volare's sexual assault advocates provide emotional support, information, and accompaniment to help you understand your options and make decisions that feel right for you.
Our advocates can support you:
At the hospital: Accompany you during a sexual assault medical forensic exam (sometimes called a rape kit), explain the process, and support your choices.
When reporting to police: Provide emotional support and help you understand what to expect if you choose to make a report.
In other settings: Offer support at the scene of a crime, at your home, or in other appropriate locations.
Beyond the immediate crisis: Help you access resources, explore your options, and receive ongoing advocacy support.
You do not have to report a sexual assault to the police to receive support from an advocate.
Need Support Now? We're Here 24/7.
If you have experienced sexual assault in Washington, DC, you can connect with an advocate through the DC Victim Hotline, including outside regular business hours.
Call or text 1-844-4HELPDC (844-443-5732) or chat online to request support or assistance accessing a sexual assault medical forensic exam.
Provide feedback or a complaint about your experience with any of the partners on DC’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Feedback can be submitted via this form.
Support That Respects Your Choices
There is no single right way to respond to a crime.
You may want to explore your legal options, seek counseling, find practical resources, or simply talk through what happened and what you need. You may also decide not to pursue certain services or actions.
Our advocates are here to provide information and support, not to tell you what decisions to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
An advocate helps you understand options, navigate services, and access resources. An attorney provides legal advice and may represent you in legal proceedings. Volare offers both services, depending on your needs and program availability.
What is the difference between an advocate and an attorney?
1
No. You do not have to report to the police or participate in a criminal case to request support.
Do I have to report a crime to receive advocacy services?
2
Volare takes your privacy seriously. An advocate can explain how your information is protected and any limits on confidentiality.
Are advocacy services confidential?
3
Do I have to know what kind of help I need?
4
No. You can reach out even if you're unsure what would be helpful. An advocate can talk through your concerns and help you explore your options.
Can an advocate come to the hospital if I've experienced sexual assault?
5
Volare provides hospital-based advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. An advocate can offer emotional support, explain your options, and help you understand the hospital process, including forensic medical exams. You do not have to make a police report to request advocacy support.
Do I have to get a forensic exam to speak with an advocate?
5
No. An advocate can help you understand your options and support your decisions about medical care and evidence collection.
You Don't Have to Figure Everything Out Alone
You are the expert in your own life. And therefore no one is better qualified than you to determine how you heal.