Victim Advocate Program

FAMU Victim Advocate Program

The Victim Advocate Program serves as a confidential resource and support service for anyone in the University community who has experienced violence, trauma, and harm. This includes students and employees who were victimized at any time and at any location, as well as any other person victimized by a member of the FAMU community.

Victimizations include sexual battery, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, harassment, relationship violence, discrimination, hate crimes, loss of a loved one to homicide, gun violence, etc.

Comprehensive Support Resources

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I. Prevention

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II. Resources

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III. FAQ's

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Confidentiality

While the Victim Advocate Program is confidential and exempt from Title IX reporting requirements, assistance can be provided in reporting to Title IX and/or law enforcement if desired.
Identifying information is not released to third parties without your permission.

The advocate is still bound by Florida laws regarding mandatory reporting of abuse of vulnerable populations.
If you are under the age of 18, a report may have to be filed with the state.

When you need support, we're here. Our Services:

• Accompaniment through medical and legal processes
• Assistance filing for Victim Compensation
• Assistance filing for injunctions
• Assistance in student conduct process
• Crisis intervention, including drop-in appointments and responding to campus and community locations
• Emotional support
• Employer documentation
• Evaluation and explanation of options
• Explanation of rights (including Florida Statute 960), policies, and procedures
• Information and referrals
• Instructor notification and other academic assistance
• Safety planning

Explore our FAQ's to find answers to common questions and gain valuable insights into various aspects of our services and resources. Please contact the advocate at 850-412-5667 for additional information.

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I'm not sure what happened to me is a crime or how to describe it. Can I still talk to the advocate?

Absolutely! The advocate will use language you're comfortable with when talking about what happened. Regardless of criminal law or your decision to report, the advocate is here to support you.

What kind of training does the advocate have?

Hannah has a graduate degree in clinical social work (MSW). She has previous experiences in campus advocacy, suicide prevention, and mental health. She is credentialed through the National Advocate Credentialing Program and is working on her Florida clinical social work license. She was previously licensed in social work in her home state of South Carolina.

Hannah regularly attends trainings in cultural competency, federal and state laws, higher education policy, and best practices in anti-oppressive advocacy.

How long do I have to get a forensic examine done?

Refuge House will perform SANE exams up to five days (120 hours) after the violence happened. Whenever possible, these exams are done at the SAFE Center instead of a hospital. A trained nurse will collect evidence, look for injuries, and offer medications and tests for pregnancy and STIs.

Even if you decide not to have evidence collected, medical follow-up is available for free through Student Health Services. Please call the advocate at 850-412-5667 with any questions. Because Hannah is not a doctor or nurse, she may not be able to answer specific medical questions.

What is an injunction?

An injunction is Florida's legal term for a restraining order. The five types in Florida are sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, and repeat violence.
Injunctions are given through the civil court process, not criminal court. However, violating an injunction is a criminal offense.

The advocate can help you file for an injunction, go with you to court hearings, and refer you for free legal representation. Refuge House also has staff at the courthouse to assist with filing.

In addition to an injunction, you may be interested in a no contact order through the university. These orders can also be given if you don't have an injunction. Please reach out to Hannah with any questions.

How can I help my friend?

The most important thing you can do is believe your friend. Listen to them without judging or interrupting. Just knowing that you are there for them can make a big difference.

You can also reach out to the advocate with any questions. While Hannah cannot discuss details of your friend's case without your friend's written permission, she can answer general questions about supporting survivors, court, Title IX, etc.

How can I get involved with the Victim Advocate Program?

Anyone can support by being a good bystander and sharing information about the advocate. The advocate is available to present to student groups, classes, departments, etc.

Student organizations that work to promote prevention and intervention include Warriors Against Rape and Generation Action.

Graduate students interested in interning should first check to see if FAMU's Victim Advocate Program is an approved site. If so, reach out to the advocate to talk more.

Hannah is happy to help coordinate supply donations to Refuge House. Service hours may be available for students and organizations related to these activities.