Advocacy
What is Advocacy?
As a survivor of sexual violence, you deserve advocates who will listen to you with compassion. We will listen, and we will believe you. With your permission, your guidance, we will offer all appropriate support. Please remember. You control all of our advocacy services. You’re in charge. Completely. Always.
Outreach Advocacy
Outreach Advocacy
WASAC has several outreach advocates who specifically provide services to underserved populations in Sedgwick County. We have an outreach advocate that reaches the Spanish-speaking community, people in poverty, people with addictions or who are in recovery, college and university students, the LGBTQ community, people who are incarcerated, and children and youth. Even if you do not fall into any of those categories, you can still call and schedule a time to meet with an outreach advocate. We can meet survivors in a public place that is convenient and safe for you.
Medical Advocacy
Medical Advocacy
Whenever a survivor checks into one of the hospitals and requests a sexual assault forensic exam, an advocate is called out to respond. We do not work for the police and we do not work for the hospital. Advocates are there to support the survivor through their time at the hospital. We can answer questions, find resources, listen, and safety plan. Advocates can also be there, at your request, for any follow up medical care you might need.
Court Advocacy
Court Advocacy
WASAC has 3 full time court advocates. Their primary job responsibilities include assisting and accompanying survivors as they navigate the entire criminal justice system and protection order process. From a police interview to a jury trial, our court advocates can be with you every step of the way.
Hotline Advocacy
Hotline Advocacy
The Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center crisis hotline operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. We respond to calls related to sexual violence. You can call us anytime. Every call is answered by a live person. We do route our crisis line through an answering service, so you will be asked to hold for a short period while the operator connects you with a trained advocate. You can call and ask questions, explore options, or just talk through what you need to.
Who Can I Contact?
Should you need assistance outside the scope of our expertise, we will recommend support services elsewhere in the community. The Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center advocates will support you at any time, at any place in your healing process. Advocates are not here to tell you what to do. We are here to support your decision-making process and to make sure you have all the options available to you. You know what is best for you. You know what is best for your safety and healing. We are committed to maintaining the highest possible levels of confidentiality.