Victim Support

Victim Advocacy Services through the office of Student Advocacy & Support is comprehensive support to UD students impacted by sexual violence, dating and domestic violence and/or stalking. Victim advocacy is confidential and can include emotional support, information about their rights, assistance navigating the criminal justice system or the UD reporting process, advocacy and referrals for resources for counseling, academic, housing, legal and safety needs. Victim advocacy services vary depending on the individual seeking support.

Victim advocacy is available through appointment only. Student appointments are tailored to the needs of the individual. Typical appointments are around 60 minutes and can take place in-person at the Wellbeing Center or virtually. An advocate can also provide support through accompanying students to criminal and civil hearings, medical care, Title IX hearings and other meetings related to the harm they experienced.

A victim advocate primarily focuses on providing information, support and access to resources for students who have experienced sexual misconduct. While a counselor is a mental health professional licensed and trained to treat the psychological impact of trauma and emotional distress. Victim advocates can help with navigating systems and immediate needs, while counselors focus on helping individuals heal emotionally and psychologically. Many people benefit from utilizing both forms of support simultaneously.

• Emotional support and processing
• Helping you to define your own experiences
• Assistance in accessing academic support
• Options for reporting to police and/or through University reporting
• Assistance in obtaining a civil protection order
• Safety planning
• Referrals and connections to mental health, medical, academic, housing and financial support and assistance
• Education about sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, trauma, victim rights, etc.

Talking to an advocate is not reporting. Victim advocacy services exist in a separate office from the Title IX office. Advocates will not share your information with Title IX or other offices at UD, parents or guardians or police unless you request that they do so. Your victim advocate has other reporting or disclosure obligations under state law, which may include mandatory reporting of child abuse or situations in which you present a danger to yourself or others.

• What happened to you isn’t your fault. You deserve support as you process what happened. Advocates are here for you. 
• Everyone has a different healing journey. We are here to listen and support without shame or judgment. Your victim advocate starts by believing. 
• Your advocate is here to support your choices. You are in control over what happens next.
• There is no time limit for when you can reach out for help.
• Your feelings are normal. People who experience trauma have a wide range of emotions. All of your feelings are valid.