Who acts on behalf of sexual assault victims to facilitate care with other organizations?

The role of a Victim Advocate is crucial in providing support to sexual assault victims, as they serve as a liaison between the victims and various organizations that can offer necessary care and assistance. A Victim Advocate helps victims navigate the complex landscape of available resources, ensuring that they receive appropriate medical, legal, and emotional support. They are trained to understand the needs of victims and work toward empowering them, guiding them through the aftermath of an assault while respecting their autonomy and choices.

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) is typically focused on coordinating responses within various agencies to ensure proper handling of cases but may not directly accompany or advocate for victims in the same personal manner as a Victim Advocate. Medical Treatment Personnel provides essential care but does not have the same advocacy role. Legal Counsel, while providing critical legal support, does not fill the role of connecting victims with a broad range of services and resources as a Victim Advocate does.