Hospital Advocacy

In partnership with health care professionals, Hospital Advocates provide support, information and referrals to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones during the medical exam and evidence collection process at health care facilities in Summit County.

Hospital Advocates respond to the hospital 24-hours a day, seven days a week to:

• Listen and offer emotional support to survivors and their loved ones
• Provide information on what to expect as a survivor or co-survivor of sexual assault
• Stay with the survivor for as much or as little of the exam as the survivor chooses
• Facilitate communication between the survivor and allied professionals
• Inform the survivor of his or her rights as a victim of crime
• Help the survivor plan for his or her safety upon discharge from the health care facility
• Assist the survivor in obtaining comfortable clothing to wear home when necessary
• Offer referrals to other social service agencies

 A Hospital Advocate will NOT:

• Make decisions for the survivor
• Pressure the survivor to take any one path to healing
• Give medical or legal advice
• Share any information about the survivor or the survivor's situation without his or her knowledge and consent

Hospital Advocacy services are confidential and provided free of charge to sexual assault survivors 14 years of age and older and their loved ones.  Please call our hotline at 1-877-906-7273 for more information.