Support

CARE Advocates

CARE Advocates are confidential resources who support students who have been impacted by sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, including survivors, people who have done harm, friends and family members, etc. CARE Advocates are also a confidential resource for people who simply have questions about sex and relationships, or want to process experiences or hypothetical situations. CARE Advocates are staffed by employees from Safe Harbor, as well as graduate level interns completing their Masters of Social Work from VCU. 

What is Advocacy?

In the field of sexual and domestic violence, advocacy refers to the provision of crisis intervention, confidential support, accompaniment, and information to people impacted by violence. Advocates might:

  • Provide detailed information about reporting and medical options, and what to expect during these processes
  • Assist with reporting if desired
  • Help clients to create safety plans to address safety concerns and basic needs 
  • Accompany clients and provide support for forensic medical exams, meetings with police, or meetings during the Title IX process
  • Provide psychoeducation about the impact of trauma on the brain and body, and discuss coping strategies
  • Connect clients with resources that can provide further support
  • Create space to ask questions and discuss relationships, boundaries, sex, and more

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment with a CARE Advocate, advocate@richmond.edu or call or text 804-801-6251 to get a response within one business day.

PSMAs

Peer Sexual Misconduct Advisors (PSMA) are UR students who serve as confidential peer advocates trained in Title IX policy, procedure, and emotional support resources. PSMAs are students who are selected through an application process and complete extensive training from the Title IX Coordinator, URPD, CAPS, St. Mary’s Hospital, Safe Harbor, SCEI, and the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney. All contact is confidential because the PSMAs are not employees of the University.

HOW TO CONTACT US

A Peer Sexual Misconduct Advisor is available 24/7 while classes are in session and can be connected with a student through:

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR STUDENTS

  • Provide information on reporting options, processes, and procedures
  • Attend meetings students have throughout their reporting processes
  • Connect students to resources
  • Provide confidential support
  • Connect students to funding options as needed (i.e. transportation home, health care needs, etc.)
  • If desired, help students report sexual misconduct violations to appropriate officials
  • Communicate with Title IX Coordinators on behalf of the student as an emotional support
  • Fill out reporting form with students upon request
  • Accompany students to St. Mary’s Hospital, or another medical provider, as requested

Support Group

Each spring semester, CARE Advocates plan a support group for students who have experienced relationship or sexual trauma. This support group is open to all students and is focused on learning coping strategies and new skills for healing and processing. The support group’s structure is tailored to the needs of the students who sign up.

To learn more about the support group, or to ensure that you hear when signups open, please email advocate@richmond.edu.