Justice System Advocacy
A Partner in Protecting your Rights.
To request an advocate, call Ashley Hawke at 216-619-6194 x103. Please note: if you need assistance immediately or on weekends and holidays, please call the 24-hour hotline at 216-619-6192.
Advocates from Cleveland Rape Crisis Center can support you through the criminal justice process. Those who have experienced sexual violence often don’t know what to expect when they go to the hospital or to the police to report the crime. Advocates can help by providing support, knowledge and access to resources.
What an Advocate Will Do
- Believe you and help protect your rights
- Provide support and assistance to you and your family and friends throughout the process
- Answer any and all questions surrounding the legal aspects of rape and sexual assault
- Facilitate communication between you, the courts and/or the police
- Accompany you to court and to visits with the police and your prosecutor
- Help you write your Victim Impact Statement
- Help you interact with the Ohio Parole Board
- Help you access programs for victims of crime in the State of Ohio, such as Victim Notification and Victims of Crime Compensation Program
- Link you to other services such as housing, civil attorneys, counseling and transportation and domestic violence agencies
What an Advocate Will NOT Do
- Make your choices for you
- Give legal advice
- Work with perpetrators of rape and sexual assault
- Release information about you to anyone for any reason without your written consent
- Do anything you will not know about
Justice System Resources
What to do if You want to report a sexual assault to law enforcement
Legal Definitions
Ohio Victims' Rights
FAQ about the Criminal Justice Process
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)
Victims of Crime Compensation
Justice System Resources and Referrals
