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