What is an advocate?
In Minnesota, a sexual assault advocate is a trained professional or volunteer who provides compassionate support and advocacy to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Supervised by rape crisis centers, these advocates offer emotional support, information about available resources and legal-system processes, accompany survivors to medical appointments and certain legal-system proceedings, and empower them to make informed decisions about their healing journey.
Sexual Violence Center Advocates are specially trained to help you navigate sexual violence. We provide support through our crisis lines and counseling services and can support you as you navigate medical, law enforcement, and court processes. Calling us is completely confidential, call us at (612) 871-5111 anytime.
Calling the hotline is a confidential way to get immediate support and begin your journey towards healing and recovery.
612-871-5111
24-Hour Support Line
The Sexual Violence Center Crisis Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate and confidential counseling support to individuals in crisis.
Here’s how an advocate can support you when you call the hotline:
- Immediate Crisis Support: Advocates are trained to offer compassionate support and active listening during times of crisis, helping you navigate overwhelming emotions and situations.
- Exploring Your Options: They can provide general information as you consider reporting to law enforcement, seeking medical attention, or accessing other support services.
- Connecting to SVC Services: Advocates can link you directly to services offered by the Sexual Violence Center, such as counseling, support groups, and support navigating law enforcement and court processes.
- Referrals to Community Resources: They can provide information and referrals to other community resources, such as shelters, legal aid, medical professionals, and social services, ensuring you have access to comprehensive support.
Our free counseling services provide personalized support to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. You can meet with one of our advocates for up to ten sessions, at no cost. If you need longer-term counseling, we can connect you with trusted therapists in our network. Our counseling is peer-based, offering support that is not therapeutic or clinical. Sessions are available in-person, virtually, or over the phone.
At this time these services are offered by appointment only. To schedule an appointment call 612-871-5111 or visit the link below.
Note for virtual counseling:
We use Doxy.me to meet virtually for counseling. You can use your computer, tablet, or mobile phone to meet with us over video, phone, or by using the room’s text chat function. You do not need to create an account to use Doxy. You will receive a link to the meeting room in the confirmation email when booking your appointment.
Medical Advocacy
If you go to a hospital, a medical advocate may be available to support you through your forensic exam and evidence collection. Our advocates respond 24/7 to 10 hospitals across Carver, Hennepin, and Scott Counties. Here’s how advocates can help:
- Provide emotional support in the hospital room and stay with you during your visit.
- Explain procedures such as forensic evidence collection (rape kits) and ensure you understand your rights and options.
- Advocate for your needs with hospital staff.
- Facilitate conversations with your family or friends on how best to support you.
- Connect you with follow-up resources for ongoing support and care.
Support Navigating Legal Systems
You do not have to navigate the criminal or civil legal system alone. SVC advocates can provide emotional support, general information, and practical assistance as you consider your options following sexual violence.
SVC advocates are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice or legal representation. Advocates provide emotional support, general information, accompaniment, and referrals to outside legal service providers.
How an Advocate May Support You
Depending on your needs, an advocate may:
- Talk with you about what to expect when reporting sexual violence to law enforcement.
- Accompany you to a law enforcement interview.
- Provide emotional support before, during, or after court proceedings.
- Help you prepare questions to ask law enforcement, prosecutors, court staff, or an attorney.
- Provide general information about Harassment Restraining Orders and Orders for Protection.
- Offer practical support as you complete court forms using your own information and words.
- Connect you with legal aid organizations and other community resources.
- Help you apply for the Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program and explore other potential sources of financial assistance.
An advocate cannot tell you which legal option to choose, determine whether you qualify for a particular court order, predict the outcome of a case, or represent you during a legal proceeding.
We can also help you file a claim for the Crime Victims Reimbursement Program and learn more about financial help.
Hennepin County Legal Referrals
SVC may provide referrals to Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Central Minnesota Legal Services, or another appropriate legal organization. Each legal organization determines its own eligibility requirements, available services, and whether it can accept a case. A referral from SVC does not guarantee legal advice or representation.
SVC advocates may provide emotional support and accompaniment when a survivor reports to law enforcement, participates in an interview, attends a court proceeding, or completes court forms using their own information and words.
Carver and Scott County Legal Referrals
SVC may refer survivors in Carver or Scott County to Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services or another appropriate legal organization. The legal organization will determine whether the survivor qualifies for services and whether advice or representation is available.
To speak with an advocate about support navigating law enforcement or court processes, or to request information about outside legal resources, call us at 612-871-5111.