Support

ABOUT ADVOCACY

Advocates are available to provide confidential crisis intervention and emotional support through the Women and Gender Advocacy Center. Advocates in the office are full time staff members dedicated to working with students who have experienced trauma. We provide information about academic, legal, medical, emotional, and student conduct resources to survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. We also offer support to secondary survivors, such as intimate partners, friends, family, and you.

  • The 24-hour Victim Assistance Team is available to assist survivors of interpersonal violence and their loved ones 24/7/365. Call 970-492-4242 and ask to speak with an advocate.
  • Advocates are also available for drop-ins or scheduled appointments during business hours at 112 Student Services.
  • For staff and faculty, SAVA and Crossroads are excellent community resources.

All information shared with advocates is confidential unless the person is a danger to themselves, someone is in imminent danger, a child currently under 18 has been abused or if the perpetrator is currently in a position of power over minors (even if the survivor is over the age of 18).

VAT SUPPORT

The Victim Assistance Team (VAT) is here to assist Colorado State University students and any family or friends who have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence or stalking both on or off campus; and staff, faculty, or visitors who have experienced interpersonal violence on campus. Trained Victim Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide emotional support and information if you have experienced trauma.

WHAT DOES THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE TEAM DO?

  • Advocates assist victims of all genders, and any family or friends to cope with the physical, psychological and legal aftermath resulting from sexual assault, stalking or relationship violence.
  • Trained Victim Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide emotional support and information.
  • Advocates can provide information about the victim’s choices for getting medical care. Advocates can meet with a student in a residence hall room, at a designated spot on campus, or another agreed upon location.
  • Advocates can also accompany a victim to the hospital or Women’s Clinic (or Men’s Clinic) at the CSU Health Network if they would like.
  • They can explain the process of reporting to the police and can go with the victim to the police station if they decide to file a report. They can also let the victim know about the University’s reporting system if the perpetrator is a student or university employee.

WHO ARE THE ADVOCATES?

Hotline Advocates are volunteers (students, staff and faculty) who complete an extensive training program. They understand the complexity of the aftermath of interpersonal violence and can assist students in making decisions and obtaining resources. They are educated about legal and medical systems, psychological ramifications of interpersonal violence and can provide choices and information about medical care. Advocates can provide emotional support as the victim seeks resources. The victim remains in charge of making the decisions, unless there is a significant public safety concern.

WE HAVE AN ADVOCACY PODCAST!

The WGAC has partnered with KCSU to host a podcast called We Believe You: Advocacy, Resources, and Healing around Interpersonal Trauma. Download the podcast from iTunes, Stitcher, or KCSU.fm!