The Advocate's Role

The Advocate

We are here to listen,
not to work miracles.
We are here to help clients discover what they are feeling,
not to make feelings go away.
We are here to help clients identify their options,
not to decide what they should do.
We are here to discuss steps with a client,
not to take the steps for them.
We are here to help clients discover that they can help themselves,
not to take responsibility for them.
We are here to help clients learn to choose,
not to make it unnecessary for them to make difficult choices.
We are here to provide support for change.

SafeJourney Advocates are trained to help domestic abuse victims take the necessary first steps - logistical, legal, economic, and emotional - to move toward a life free of fear and abuse. Advocates provide a listening ear and let the victim know she does not deserve to be abused, that it is not her fault, and that help is available. It may be the first time a victim tells anyone she has been abused. The advocate will provide emotional support, let her know her options and resources, and assist her with whatever steps she chooses to take. Advocates help empower the victim to find her inner strength, set goals for herself and children, and take steps to re-build her life.

At North Memorial Medical Center
SafeJourney responds to calls from hospital staff who have encountered and identified a domestic abuse victim, usually in the Emergency Department, who wishes to speak with an advocate. Advocates are on call 24/7 and paged when needed. After receiving initial information about the patient by phone, the advocate will go to the hospital (usually arriving within 30 minutes), talk with the staff person who placed the call, and then meet with the patient directly.

Patient safety is the advocate's focus. Advocates provide a safety assessment and develop an individual safety plan with the patient. If the patient needs safe housing, the advocate will call shelters for available space. If the patient wants the police called, the advocate will be the liaison with law enforcement whereby the police will come to the hospital to take a report and possibly arrest the perpetrator. If the patient needs a restraining order, the advocate will give referrals for a legal advocate who writes an Order For Protection and assists the patient through the court system. Services and referrals will vary depending on a patients need.

In the community
SafeJourney advocates also respond to calls from individuals in the community, which are relayed through a page by the 24-hour crisis line. Advocates will block caller ID when returning a call, and arrange for a safe time to talk with the victim. As with hospital patients, advocates provide support services and referrals, linking individuals with options and resources to support them on their journey from "victim" to victim.