Experiencing a violent crime—especially sexual abuse or assault—can leave deep emotional and psychological wounds. Survivors often face a complex and overwhelming path to healing and justice, going through a range of difficult emotions on their road to recovery. You don’t have to navigate that path alone. A victim’s advocate is someone who walks beside you, offering support, guidance, and compassion every step of the way.
Victim advocates are trained professionals who provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can begin to process what’s happened. They’re here to listen, to help you understand your rights, and to make sure you feel empowered and informed as you move forward—at your own pace.
A Voice For Victims
In the aftermath of a traumatic experience, many survivors feel overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, or the belief that no one will truly understand or believe what they’ve been through. A victim advocate stands alongside you, not to speak for you, but to help you feel strong enough to speak for yourself.
Advocates understand how difficult it can be to relive painful events, especially in intimidating environments like police interviews, legal proceedings, or courtroom hearings. They help you organize your thoughts, remember key details, and feel prepared for whatever step comes next. If you’re unsure about whether to take legal action, your advocate can offer clarity so you can make choices that feel right for you.
Most importantly, they remind you that you are not alone. Your voice deserves to be heard, and your experience deserves to be acknowledged with empathy, respect, and dignity.
A Caring Ally
A victim advocate can help you understand your legal rights and explain your options in clear, simple terms. They can guide you through each stage of the justice system, from reporting a crime, to navigating complex procedures, and even attending hearings and other important meetings with you, all while keeping your well-being front and center.
They’re also there to help you prepare important paperwork, such as restraining orders, and to connect you with local resources like counseling services, support groups, or other information. Your advocate will ensure that your voice is heard, your needs are respected, and your choices are honored.
Our In-House Victim Advocate
At Shepard O’Donnell, we know how difficult it can be to come forward with a sexual abuse claim. That’s why our legal team includes a dedicated in-house victim advocate. From your first conversation with us, you’ll have someone by your side who understands the emotional toll of trauma and is there to offer guidance, comfort, and practical support.
If you have been the victim of physician sexual abuse, school sexual abuse, or sexual abuse while attending a Residential Treatment Facility, we encourage you to take the important first step in holding your abuser accountable. Contact us at (800) 451-4471 for a free, confidential, no-obligation discussion about possible legal action. We would be glad to explain what’s involved in the process of filing a claim. Read more about our approach to working with sexual abuse survivors in our blog.
We are committed to protecting your confidentiality and ensuring that you feel safe and supported throughout the legal process. Your healing, your rights, and your story are important, not just as a legal case, but as a person who matters.
