There are several sexual assault advocacy and counseling resources available in Colorado to assist survivors in their decision-making process. Take a look at our resource map to find a nearby confidential sexual assault advocacy program and/or some 24/7 help line numbers survivors can call.
Victim Advocacy vs Therapy
An advocate’s role is to provide information on options, help process decisions, provide resources, and explain and support survivors through systems. At the foundation, an advocate bears witness to sexual violence existing and believes survivors .
As a mental health professional serving clients who have experienced sexual assault and may also be connected with an advocate, it is important to understand victim advocacy is distinct from counseling or therapy.
While victim advocates do receive specialized training in sexual assault and trauma, there is typically no requirement they have an advanced degree or professional licensure. The role of an advocate is to provide information and support so survivors can access resources and systems to help them in their healing process. The role of a therapist is to help the client, or in this case the survivor, process their trauma. The two roles are distinct but complementary.
There are two kinds of victim advocates survivors may encounter in their journey:
Confidential, Community-Based Victim Advocates
Community-based advocates are professionals who work at sexual assault advocacy centers or domestic violence and sexual assault programs. However, not every community has this type of program. The key services a community-based advocate might offer are:
- Help survivors understand their options
- Emotional support
- Support group, counseling, therapy services, or referrals to other agencies that provide these services
- Education for survivors’ loved ones regarding the effects of sexual violence
- Assistance with civil legal issues (civil protection order, school-based accommodations, etc.)
- Support for needs outside the criminal legal system, as well as ongoing support after the criminal legal system resolution
- Assistance with applying for Colorado Crime Victim Compensation
- Give survivors information about their rights and resources under Colorado Victim Rights Act (C.R.S. § 24-4.1-301)
Non-Confidential, Systems-Based Victim Advocates
System-based advocates are professionals employed at law enforcement agencies, district attorney’s offices, or other government agencies. They provide:
- Non-confidential advocacy
- Support to law enforcement or the district attorney
- Give survivors information about their rights and resources under Colorado Victim Rights Act (C.R.S. § 24-4.1-301)
- Give survivor information about the case and criminal legal process
- Help in applying for Colorado Crime Victim Compensation
- Referrals for support groups, counseling, and therapy
- Referrals for civil legal issues (civil protection order, school-based accommodations, etc.)
- Emotional support
- Education for survivors’ loved ones regarding the effects of sexual violence
