Advocacy

The University of Washington offers free advocacy and support for students and employees impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and other related experiences. Advocacy is a safe and confidential starting point for any student or employee affected by these issues. Meeting with an advocate does not start an investigation, reporting, or formal complaint process.

What to expect

If you choose to work with an advocate, you may expect to:

• Share as much or as little information as you would like.
• Learn about common reactions to sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and other experiences.
• Discuss options and resources for medical care.
• Discuss how you can care for yourself and discover options to begin healing, whether through counseling, stress reduction techniques, or other strategies.
• Make a safety plan.
• Learn about and receive support during any reporting or investigation process, including;
  • Submitting a formal complaint, a request for a university investigation, to the Title IX Office.
  • Making a report to law enforcement.
• Learn about university-issued Mutual No Communication Directives (MNCDs) and civil protection orders, an option external to the University.
• Discuss how your experience may have affected work or school and how the advocate can help by working with your professors.
• Learn about other community resources.
• Make a holistic plan for managing the impact of this experience at UW.