Ashley's Story

Director of Advocacy Services - Cleveland, OH

Ashley Hawke is definitely someone you want in your corner.  Her energy, passion and dedication have helped hundreds of sexual assault survivors navigate their way through the criminal justice system.  She has the unique experience of not only helping them through the justice process, but more importantly, through the healing process.

“I recently had a victim tell me after she testified in court, ‘I'm not scared of him anymore.  I faced my fears in court.’  My hope for this survivor is that she will be able to heal from her abuse, regardless of the outcome of court,” Ashley shared.

While working on her master’s degree in Social Work, Ashley became an intern at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC).  “Right away, I felt lucky to be able to do this work and work at such an energetic and supportive agency,” recalled Ashley.  “My passion for the field has grown over the years and I can't picture myself doing anything different. “

She is now the Director of Advocacy Services and works with other staff members to provide consistent support services for survivors of sexual assault who are going through the criminal justice system.  Advocates work collaboratively with other criminal justice professionals in order to provide crisis intervention, support, information, education and resources to survivors and co-survivors from beginning to end.   

“Advocates play a unique role within the criminal justice system because we are the only ones whose sole focus is on the survivor,” Ashley explained.  “We recognize that law enforcement, nurses and prosecutors all have a job to do.  Our focus on the survivor's needs can help keep the victim engaged in the process while allowing others to do their job effectively.”

Ashley says survivors often tell her they are afraid to report sexual assault because they don’t know what to expect.  Her goal is for survivors to receive consistently supportive responses from the criminal justice system.  

“CRCC helps by providing education to law enforcement and other professionals about working with survivors and by having advocates available 24/7 to provide support and education to victims choosing to report,” Ashley added.  “When survivors are supported, they become empowered and in control of their own healing process.”

You can be a Face of Change, too.  Click here to donate and make sure survivors continue to have advocates like Ashley in their corner.