Advocacy
The Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County provides advocacy, support, and information to victims/survivors and their families/friends immediately following an assault, and throughout the healing process. Trained advocates are available on a 24-hour basis to provide confidential crisis intervention and support.
Who is an Advocate?
s/he is a volunteer with a commitment and awareness of the issue.
s/he has received special training to work with victims and their families.
s/he is someone who has empathy for what you are experiencing and respects your needs.
An Advocate will:
provide victims with emotional support, information, options, and assistance
meet with the victim face-to-face
listen and understand
inform the victim of his/her rights
accompany the victim through the medical exam, police interview, and court proceedings if requested.
respect all the victims decisions and choices concerning the assault
Who may request an Advocate?
past or present victims of rape, child sexual abuse, and other forms of sexual assault including sexual harassment, obscene phone calls, or gestures, etc.
family members or friends of sexual assault/abuse victims.
community professionals who work with victims of sexual assault/abuse and their families.
How can I contact an Advocate?
Call the Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County at (218) 749-4725 or 1-800-300-3102.
Walk into our office at 505 12th Avenue West, Virginia, MN between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Request an advocate from the Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County. They will ask for your name and phone number. An advocate will then call you back as soon as possible. All calls are confidential.
How can an Advocate assist other community professionals?