About Hospital Advocacy

Hospital Advocates are available from the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to provide survivors and their families and friends with support and information. An Advocate should be offered to the survivor in the emergency department, however, if the option is not presented the survivor may also request one. Advocates are available 24 hours a day and can be reached by hospital staff through the hotline.

A Hospital Advocate will:

Believe you and offer emotional support
Work with you to make sure you are aware of your rights and to ensure your rights are being protected
Provide answers to your questions
Stay with you for all or part of the examination depending on what you are comfortable with
Offer relevant information and referrals for follow-up care
Facilitate communication with law enforcement, medical professionals and secondary survivors
Provide support, information and referrals to your family and friends

A Hospital Advocate will not:

Make your decisions for your or pressure you to make certain decisions
Give medical advice or act as a medical professional
Do anything on your behalf without your knowledge and consent
Release any information about you or your situation to anyone without your permission