By Krissy
Human Trafficking Program Manager
At HAVEN, we are deeply grateful for the trust our community places in us. Our Trauma Response Team is always here for you, offering unwavering support day and night, whenever you need us at the hospital. No matter the hour, our caring advocates are ready to provide immediate, heartfelt care to anyone who needs it. Thank you for allowing us to stand beside you. Please remember, you are never alone, and help is always just a call away.
When a Call Comes In:
When someone experiences a sexual assault, HAVEN's Trauma Response Advocates are ready to respond, day or night, weekends and holidays included. The moment we receive a call, an advocate is dispatched directly to the hospital to be with that individual during one of the most difficult moments of their life. There's no waiting until morning, no "we'll follow up later." Survivors deserve support right when they need it most, and our team is built to show up in that window.
Once on scene, the advocate's priority is simple: make sure the client isn't facing this alone. They introduce themselves warmly, explain who HAVEN is, and walk the client through the support available. This isn't a clinical checklist moment; it's about creating safety and trust in a space that can otherwise feel overwhelming, sterile, or frightening.
A key part of that early conversation is confidentiality. Advocates make sure clients understand what confidentiality means in this setting, that what they share is protected and that they control the decisions made about their care. After a traumatic event, so much can feel out of a survivor's hands. Reinforcing their autonomy from the very first interaction is intentional.
From there, advocates move into assessment and safety planning. This means checking in on the client's immediate physical and emotional safety, and talking through what happens next—including whether returning home is safe, or whether emergency shelter is needed and available. If shelter is the right option, the advocate helps coordinate that on the spot.
Advocates also make sure clients leave the hospital with information about the fuller range of services HAVEN offers, so they know support doesn't end when the exam does. That includes:
Peer counseling for ongoing emotional support
Case management to help coordinate next steps and resources
Legal services, including guidance on protective or restraining orders
Support groups, connecting survivors with others who understand what they're going through
Because sexual assault exams often involve law enforcement collecting clothing as evidence, clients can be left with literally nothing to wear home. Advocates address this practical, deeply human need directly by providing a hygiene bag and a change of clothing, so no one has to leave the hospital in a gown or in the same clothes they were assaulted in. It's a small thing on paper, but for many survivors, it's one of the first moments of dignity restored after the exam.
Importantly, an advocate's role doesn't end when the hospital visit does. HAVEN staff continue to follow up with clients after the exam, checking in, offering continued support, and helping them access any of the services mentioned above. Healing isn't linear, and needs often surface days, weeks, or even months later; our advocates make sure clients know that HAVEN is still there when that happens.
At its core, this program exists because no one should have to walk through the aftermath of a sexual assault alone, confused about their options, or without necessities. Trauma Response Advocates provide immediate, compassionate, client-centered support in the hours that matter most, and they stay connected long after, because recovery is a process, not a single night.
What can you do to support survivors?
One meaningful way to support survivors is to become a volunteer. We are truly grateful for those who choose to stand with survivors and offer their time and care. If you are interested in working directly with survivors, we invite you to complete our Victim Advocate Training. Please feel welcome to contact Janette at (209) 524-4331 with any questions or to learn more. Your willingness to help makes a real difference.
You can also lend a hand at our awareness events, even if you can't complete the training. Kathleen would be grateful to connect with you and can provide the volunteer form. You can reach her by email at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org. Every act of support is appreciated and helps us continue this important work.
Organizing a donation drive is another generous way to help. Your kindness ensures that we can continue providing clients with a change of clothes after their exam, meeting a very real and human need. To coordinate a drive, please connect with Kathleen at (209) 284-4732. Your generosity brings comfort and dignity to those we serve, and we are so thankful for your support.
If you or someone you care about is a survivor, please know that we are here for you. Our support is always available, and we are honored to walk alongside you. You can call our crisis line at any time, day or night:
(209) 577-5980. Help is just a phone call away.