What happens when connecting with an Advocate?

Written by: Elleni Conley, Advocate; Nicole Leon, Advocate; Rasta Bagheri, Advocate

CARE Advocates are a confidential and free resource for UCI students, faculty and staff, including those at the Medical Center, who have been affected by power based personal violence (PBPV). PBPV is as any act where power is used to exert control or intimidate, including sexual assault, domestic/partner violence, family violence, and stalking. Advocates provide support to people regardless of when they were harmed, regardless of who harmed them, and regardless of whether or not they choose to report. Advocates also meet with those who are seeking to support loved ones who have been directly impacted by PBPV.

An advocate:

● provides a safe place to talk about experiences of PBPV

● helps to foster an understanding about how trauma can impact an individual

● provides information about reporting rights and options

● connects people to resources on and off campus

● supports with accommodations related to financial, housing, and academic concerns arising from having experienced harm

Prior to meeting with an advocate an intake appointment will be scheduled. You will be asked to complete consent forms and a questionnaire to aid the advocate in better understanding any presenting concerns and identifying potential resources.

During an intake:

● You will have the opportunity to share about what brought you to the CARE office

● You will not be made to share more about your experience(s) than you are comfortable or ready to talk about

● You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have regarding CARE services, reporting rights and options, and any resources that might be available to you

● The advocate will provide emotional support, assist in navigating your reporting rights and options, and provide relevant information particular to your circumstance

At the end of this meeting, the advocate will ask if you would like to meet again, and provides you with the advocate’s information so you can easily connect in the future. Sometimes your concerns and questions can be addressed in one meeting, but often an advocate will provide ongoing support. Every situation is unique, and the advocates are here to provide support in ways that are meaningful to you.

If you would like to make an appointment with an advocate, or have questions about advocacy services, you can call CARE’s mainline at: 949–824–7273 or send us an email at care@uci.edu. Please know the CARE office is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm and we can provide you with after-hour resources.