What is a counselor/advocate and how are they different from other people involved in my case?
A Rape Crisis Center counselor/advocate carries out a special role different from law enforcement and medical personnel. A Rape Crisis Center counselor/advocate’s main purpose is to support the victim. Their role is to offer support and information to victims about the process and options available in an investigation or medical exam. The counselor/advocate will never meet with law enforcement or medical personnel without the victim or the victim’s expressed permission. Counselor/advocates from the Rape Crisis Center provide information and referral to victims to help in their decision making. Rape Crisis Center counselor/advocates will never tell you what decisions to make.
