Family member, friend or a person from an advocacy service.
The CARE Team is an on-campus resource that serves as an advocate for student victims.
Visit the Dean of Students Case Management page for contact information and referral and response advice.
The Crime Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) is an off-campus advocacy service. It can be reached at 607-722-4256 or by making an appointment with the on-campus CVAC representative at the VARCC.
Role of advocates
Support
Listens to, believes, emotionally supports and acts in the best interests of the victim.
Respects the victim and does what's possible to make the victim comfortable.
Does not judge the victim or their lifestyle.
Acts as the spokesperson for the victim if and when they cannot do so, with family,
friends, professionals, etc.
Inform
Explains the advocate role, the systems and the processes that apply in each situation.
Offers choices and explains options to the victim and supports their decisions.
Informs victims of relevant, available services in the community.
Assists with various forms of safety planning.
Helps victims understand the roles of other professionals.
Educates victims about Crime Victims' compensation.
Be present
Assures that victims are treated fairly and in accordance with their rights in New
York state.
Provides accompaniment to court, police stations, hospitals, appointments, etc., as
needed and wanted.
Is present and/or nearby at court, police stations, hospitals, etc., in order to advocate
for the victim.
Acts as a liaison between the victim, other professionals and other systems.
Educates other professionals to the role of the victim advocate.
Does not confront other professionals in a way that could further traumatize the victim.
or by making an appointment with the on-campus CVAC representative at the VARCC.