If a caller appears to be suicidal, it’s important for the counselor/advocate to assess the severity and level of risk. If the case is low or moderate risk, the counselor/advocate can work on a safety plan with the caller and/or refer them to 988—the National Suicide...

According to the CT General Statutes, sexual assault counselors/advocates “shall not disclose any confidential communications made to such counselor at any time by a victim in any civil or criminal case or proceeding or in any legislative or administrative proceeding...

As an advocate, you can remind the victim/survivor of their right to undergo a SAFE Kit procedure, if the person is still eligible for it (within the time window of 120 hours or 5 days). You should also let your backup know about the situation, so we can inform their...

As advocates, we’re not allowed to perform any part or take samples related to the SAFE Kit. We would advise them to call another medical professional with experience and we should explain our limits, boundaries, and role as sexual assault advocates and counselors...

It’s always okay to let someone know that you do not have the answer to that question at that moment but that you’ll make the best effort to put them in touch with someone that knows and/or is in charge. You can always refer them to our website and social media, and...

According to the State of Connecticut ‘Technical Guidelines for Health Care Response to Patients Who Report a Sexual Assault’ (rev. 2021), approved by the Commission on the Standarization of the Collection of Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations, it is the...