Victim & Survivor Advocacy

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Complete the Victim & Survivor Advocacy Intake Form to refer yourself or another member of the GVSU community to Victim & Survivor Advocacy. An advocate will reach out to the victim/survivor as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. For additional methods of contact, click here: Contact Us

About Victim and Survivor Advocacy

The mission of Victim and Survivor Advocacy at Grand Valley State University is to provide victims and survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence with confidential, non-judgmental, compassionate support, access to critical resources, and the tools necessary to build a path to healing. 

At Grand Valley State University, we envision a future free from violence – such as sexual assault, stalking, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking - and the pervasive attitudes that tolerate it.

Creating a Community of Care and Respect  

  • Empathy: We approach every individual with compassion, validating the unique experiences and emotions of each victim and survivor.  

  • Empowerment: We honor the dignity, autonomy, and choices of victims and survivors, empowering them with the knowledge to make their own decisions.   

  • Integrity: We are accountable to ourselves and to others. We operate with honesty, transparency, and professionalism, upholding the highest ethical standards in all our interactions.  

Embracing Collaboration and Creativity: We work together with campus and community partners, organizations, and stakeholders to provide holistic support and enhance the effectiveness of our advocacy efforts while safeguarding the confidentiality of victims and survivors.  

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Justice: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, supportive, responsive, and respectful campus community committed to eradicating violence. We amplify the voices of victims and survivors and advocate for their needs, rights, and well-being within systems and policies, ensuring equitable access to support and resources. 

“Dear survivor, I know you don't know me but I just wanted you to know that I believe in you. You are a strong survivor and you matter so much! You have to remember that this DOES NOT define you and you are so much more than what's happened to you. The world is so much better with you in it! You are loved.”

—

Hanah
Believe Survivors

Advocacy FAQs

What is an Advocate?

Victim and Survivor Advocates at Grand Valley State University are professional staff members, faculty or graduate students who provide nonjudgmental, confidential support to victim/survivors of gender-based violence. They play a crucial role in ensuring victims/survivors receive the necessary assistance, respect, and empowerment to navigate their recovery and seek justice. Victim and Survivor Advocates are trained to help victim/survivors navigate options and services on campus and in the community. Access to an advocate after an assault can play a critical role in the healing process of a victim/survivor. Any member of the Grand Valley State University community can contact a Victim and Survivor Advocate, or the victim/survivor may have someone reach out on their behalf. A Victim and Survivor Advocate can provide support in-person, on Zoom, or over the phone.

** A Victim and Survivor Advocate does not report incidents of gender-based violence to Title IX and/or law enforcement, unless desired by the victim/survivor. Meeting with a Victim and Survivor Advocate DOES NOT start a formal misconduct or criminal process unless a victim/survivor desires to access those options. Likewise, victims/survivors do not need a formal report filed to meet with a Victim and Survivor Advocate.

All services are confidential and free of charge. Available support includes (but is not limited to):

  • Provide emotional support
  • Maintain confidentiality and respect the victim/survivor’s autonomy
  • Help victims/survivors understand their rights and options to make informed decisions 
  • Referrals to counseling and other supportive services on campus and in the community
  • Assistance in reporting to law enforcement, if you choose
  • Assistance in developing a safety plan to address immediate and long-term safety concerns.  
  • Education about medical options and procedures, including evidence collection
  • Information about and referrals to legal advocacy, including Personal Protection Orders
  • Support and advocacy in participating in a Title IX investigation, if you choose
  • Support and advocacy for academic, housing options, basic needs and/or financial assistance programs
  • Assistance for significant others and friends of victim/survivors of gender/based violence

When someone you care for discloses that they have experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence, you may not know what to say. These conversations are not easy and may not feel comfortable, so here are some tips and suggestions to respond with empathy when someone discloses an experience of violence: 

  • Listen. Let the victim/survivor know you care and are here to listen. You could say, “you’re not alone. I am here for you.” Let them share with you as much or as little as they want. While they are sharing, show active listening skills. You could ask open ended questions such as, "how are you feeling?" It is difficult to hear that someone you care about was hurt. Threatening the person who perpetrated is not helpful to the victim/survivor. Since survivors often know the person who assaulted them, it is important to be mindful of their feelings. The survivor may still care for that person. It is the survivor's decision on how they want to move forward.
  • Thank them. Let them know that you appreciate that they trust you enough to share with you. You could say, “thank you for sharing with me” or "I'm really glad you told me about this."
  • Believe. Tell the survivor, “I believe you.” Often survivors fear reporting or talking about a traumatic experience because they fear they won't be believed.  Let them know that they are not to blame for the incident. You can say things such as “it’s not your fault“ or "you didn't deserve that to happen to you." Never blame the victim or tell them that they aren't being truthful. Remember it is not your job to investigate. Avoid any “why” questions such as, “why didn't you leave?” or “why didn't you call me?” Asking questions that lay blame on the victim are not helpful. It is never a victim's fault if they were assaulted or abused. 
  • Show Support.  Let the survivor know that healing can take time and that their feelings are normal. “How you are feeling is normal.”
  • Empower the victim/survivor. It is important to give power back to victim/survivors. You can help identify support systems such as counseling or crisis centers. Encourage them to seek help. Let the person control what happens following an incident of violence. Don’t force them to report, call the police or go to the hospital. Support the survivor's decisions, even if you disagree with them. Ask questions such as:
    • "How can I help? What would you like to do?"
    • Never touch a victim without their consent. You can ask, "is it okay to hug you?" Even if you want to give someone a hug or show that you care through physical touch, it is important to ask first.
    • "Where would you like me to sit?"
  • Take care of yourself, too. It is normal to feel an array of emotions when you learn someone you care for has experienced violence. Many agencies that offer free services to victims also offer free services to family and friends affected by vicarious trauma after an incident of violence. The GVSU victim advocate is here to support anyone who has been affected by gender based violence.

Active bystanders can intervene before sexual assault occurs. Active bystander are pro-social and intervene in ways that impact the outcome positively. Simply checking in with someone can stop the momentum of something bad happening: "Hey, we're all trying to have a good time. Is everything okay here?" 

Active bystanders influence their peer group and community. Active bystanders can address sexist attitudes and beliefs to combat behavior that supports sexual violence. 

In order to create a safer community, everyone can take steps to be an active bystander: 

  • Consider whether the situation demands some action 
  • Decide if you feel a responsibility to act. Ask yourself, “If I were in this situation, would I want someone to help?” 
  • Choose what form of assistance you can use to intervene 
  • Listen and be open to a person seeking help 
  • If you or someone else is in imminent danger, dial 911. 

Even small interventions can make a big difference in a questionable situation. Just distracting someone, saying something, checking in with a person can stop the momentum of something bad happening.

Victim/Survivor FAQs

A Sexual Assault Forensic Medical exam ( or Sexual Assault Nurses Exam), sometimes referred to as a Rape Kit, is a free medical examination to provide medical treatment and/or evidence collection up to 120 hours (5 days) following a sexual assault. Survivors do not have to report to police in order to receive a forensic medical exam and/or for evidence to be collected. 

Where do I go for a Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Exam?

Forensic Medical Exams can be performed at the YWCA in Grand Rapids and Resilience in Holland for up to 120 hours (5 days) after an assault. 

The forensic medical exam is voluntary and any part of the forensic medical exam may be declined by the victim/survivor. You may stop, pause or skip any part of the exam. 

In general here are the steps of a forensic medical exam:

  • Immediate Medical Care - addressing injuries that need immediate attention.
  • The nurse will gather a detailed medical history as well as details about the assault. These questions may be personal, but they help to guide the nurse during the evidence collection process. What you share is documented and included in the sexual assault kit. 
  • The nurse may offer a head-to-toe physical examination, examination of the genitalia, collect swabs of any body areas that may contain evidence, collection of clothing, other evidence, blood, urine samples and photographs of injuries. This is optional and you have the right to decline anything you are uncomfortable with.
  • The nurse will discuss potential risk for sexually transmitted infections, HIV and/or pregnancy. The nurse will discuss options for preventative medical care, treatment and testing.
  • At the end you will be provided information for follow up medical care and resources.

You have the right to choose whether to release your Sexual Assault Kit to law enforcement and make a police report, or for your evidence to be stored at the healthcare facility for at least one year.

If you choose to release your kit to police, you have the right to know the results of the forensic testing. Contact the police agency investigating the sexual assault, a local sexual assault services program or the prosecutor's office for assistance.

  • Preserve Evidence.
    • Avoid doing anything that could damage evidence such as bathing, eating, brushing teeth, changing clothing, doing laundry, etc. - you can still have an exam if you have done any of these things.
    • Place items such as clothing or bedding into a paper bag to safely preserve evidence. Note that plastic bags can damage evidence.
  • Schedule your exam as soon as you are ready. Although you have up to 5 days, having your exam sooner will allow for more options for evidence collection and preventative care.
  • Consider what would help you to feel more comfortable. You may want to bring a change of clothes with you. The process can be lengthy, so feel free to bring a support person with you if you'd like.

Sexual and intimate partner violence can have psychological, emotional and physical effects on a survivor. These effects can be managed with support. Below is a list of common responses (*please note that this is not an exhaustive list.)

  • Physical Responses
    • Sleep disturbances and fatigue
    • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
    • Loss of coordination, tremors, or shakiness
    • Pain (such as headache, stomach ache, chest pains, muscle aches, etc.)
    • Rapid heart rate
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Appetite changes
    • Changes in sexual libido
    • Feeling easily started
  • Emotional or Psychological Responses:
    • Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or panic attacks
    • Hypervigilance
    • Feeling overwhelmed
    • Guilt, shame
    • Feeling helpless, powerless, lost or abandoned
    • Numbness
    • Shock and disbelief
    • Grief
    • Negative body image or self-consciousness
    • Sudden mood changes or emotional outbursts (anger, irritability, crying,
  • Cognitive
    • Memory problems or loss
    • Flashbacks, nightmares
    • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, decreased attention span
    • Thinking about trauma constantly
    • Racing thoughts
    • Difficulty processing
  • Avoidance and Denial
    • Avoiding thinking or talking about the traumatic experience
    • Avoiding specific situations, people or places
    • Withdrawal, isolation (missing classes, change or loss of connection with University or Community, etc.)
    • Acting as if nothing has changed
    • Minimizing - thinking the abuse was not as bad as someone else's
  • Common Coping Mechanisms
    • Increased alcohol or drug use
    • Unusual behavior
    • Excessive humor
    • Self injury
    • Changes in appearance
    • Changes in sexual behavior

Red flags are warning signs that you might be in an abusive relationship. If you feel threatened, isolated or fearful of breaking up with your partner, you might be in an abusive relationship. Perpetrators often keep you from hanging out with friends/family, check up on you constantly, blame you for their actions, criticize your thoughts and beliefs and threaten to kill themselves if you break up with them.

Does your partner:

  • Make derogatory remarks or undermine your opinions?
  • Criticize your clothing, your interests or other things you like? Insult your intelligence, your body or your looks?
  • Constantly check on your whereabouts, calling or texting you all the time? (Who are you with? When will you be home? Require you to share your location?)
  • Insist on checking your text messages, emails, social media accounts? Do they check these without your consent?
  • Ignore you or give you the silent treatment?
  • Forbid or limit your contact with your friends or family; your partner isolates you?
  • Compare you to previous dating partners?
  • Not like when you hang out with friends? Is your partner intensely jealous of your interaction with others?
  • Force you to have sex or be sexual when you do not want to?
  • Threaten to kill themselves if you break up with them?
  • Lose their temper over small things? Is their anger frightening?
  • Throw things, kick things, or break things when mad?
  • Blame you or others for their behavior?

Do you:

  • Have a gut feeling that something is not right?
  • Feel afraid to break up with your partner?

*These are only warning signs that you may be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. If you feel that you are in an abusive relationship, please contact the Victim Advocate for assistance.

Advocacy Resources

Law Enforcement -  Each department investigates crimes that occur within their jurisdiction

Office of Civil Rights & Title IX

Grand Valley State University is committed to creating and advancing a campus community where you feel empowered to raise concerns, ask for help, or learn about your options before making any decisions. If you have experienced, witnessed, been impacted by sexual misconduct (sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking), harassment, or discrimination, or impacted by an allegation, staff in the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX can assist in finding the options that feel right for you.

Office of Civil Rights & Title IX staff are also aware that your concerns may be of a sensitive nature and can offer support to help you.  The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX staff are available to discuss resources, supportive measures, options for resolution, and GVSU's prohibition of retaliation against individuals for filing a report or for participating in a resolution process.

Office of Civil Rights & Title IX
4015 James H. Zumberge Hall
(616) 331-9530

The CARE Team provides holistic support to GVSU students. If you or someone you know needs support from the CARE Team, you can submit a Student of Concern CARE Referral here.

CARE referrals can be submitted for health and safety, family issues, or life situations. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • Mental Health Concerns
  • Death of Family Member/Close Friend
  • Self-Disclosed personal distress, including family problems, financial difficulties, suicidal thoughts, grief
  • Bizarre content in writings/presentations
  • Marked changes in physical behavior (deterioration in grooming or hygiene, significant weight loss/gain).
  • Social/Adjustment Concerns
  • Increased need for personal (rather then academic) counseling
  • Unusual/Disproportionate emotional response to events
  • Excessive tearfulness
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Signs of substance abuse
  • Unprovoked anger of hostility
  • Academic assignments/or communication dominated by themes of hopelessness, rage, worthlessness, isolation, despair, acting out, suicidal ideation, violence to others

CARE referrals can be submitted for student concerns that are related to resource needs. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • Food Insecurity
  • Financial Hardship
  • Housing Concerns 
  • Lack of academic resources or supplies
  • In need of technology support (can't afford laptop repair, or in need of temporary laptop replacement)
  • In need of menstrual health products
  • In need of health insurance 

Hotline Resources

Personal Protection Orders
20th Circuit Court
414 Washington Avenue, Suite 300
Grand Haven, MI 49417
616-846-8315
www.miottawa.org/Departments/CountyClerk/CourtRecords/PPO.htm

Legal Aid of Western Michigan
636 Hastings Ave
Holland, MI 49423
616-394-1380
www.lawestmi.org

Ottawa County Legal Self-Help Center
www.miottawa.org/Courts/Legal/

Crime Victim Compensation - https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/publicsafety/crimevictims/crime-victim-compensation
Assists eligible crime victims and their immediate families with the financial cost of crime.

Crime Victim Notification Network - https://vinelink.com/#state-selection 
Find, obtain and receive notifications of court dates, case status, and custody changes.

Michigan Immigrant Rights Center - michiganimmigrant.org

Replenish is located in the Kirkhof Center and is available to GVSU students.

GVSU's Children's Enrichment Center provides early education and care for GVSU students, faculty, staff, and the community at large.

GVSU is striving to make it easier for nursing mothers to maintain breastfeeding after returning to work or school by providing private and comfortable "nursing nests."

Baby Changing Stations: 

Changing stations are located in various restrooms across campus. Baby changing stations have been added to restrooms in the following locations: Commons, Fieldhouse, Kirkhof Center, Lake Ontario Hall, Mackinac Hall, Niemeyer Honors College, and Performing Arts Center. This has been done to serve our faculty, staff, students and community members that may have children on campus during working hours or for events.

Room for Nursing Mothers/Nursing Nests

Help support victims / survivors!

GVSU REAFFIRMS SUPPORT AND POLICY PROTECTIONS FOR LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

Policy & Procedures

GVSU's Policy Prohibiting Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation, & Sexual Misconduct can be found here. This policy includes sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, & sexual exploitation.

Office of Civil Rights & Title IX

Reporting Process


Page last modified August 26, 2024
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