Frequently Asked Questions

Advocates are not therapists and are here to provide support and information about taking any sort of action (i.e. finding resources, filing reports, safety planning, etc.). The counselors at Student Health and Counseling provide short-term individual, couples, and group therapy.

No. You have the right to share as much or as little as you want. The advocate can provide options, resources and referrals without knowing any specific or detailed information about the assault.

No, everything discussed with an advocate is completely confidential. Limited exceptions include self-harm and/or harm to others.

Yes, friends and family members of victims/survivors are encouraged to talk to the advocate to discuss how to best help and support the victim/survivor. 

The advocate may be available on a limited "on-call" basis during operating business hours so you may walk-in the Student Health and Counseling Center and ask to speak to the advocate. However, there are times that the advocate may be unavailable (due to illness, helping another student etc.) therefore it is recommended that you schedule an appointment by calling 559.278.6796 or emailing the advocate directly at survivoradvocate@csufresno.edu

If the advocate is unavailable and you need immediate assistance, the following options are available:

• Provide your name/number and have the Survivor Advocate call you back.
• Schedule an appointment with the Survivor Advocate for a future time.
• Go to the Student Health and Counseling Center and speak to a crisis counselor.
• Call a community advocacy line for assistance (Rape Counseling Services, 559.222.7273 or Marjaree Mason Center, 559.233.4357).

Yes. There are no time limits on reporting a sexual assault/rape to the University or to law enforcement. Although obtaining evidence used to support a criminal case may be more difficult to collect as time passes, please know that there is help and assistance available regardless of when the assault occurred.