Advocate

Volunteer or paid professional who understands sexual violence and victim dynamics, who is highly trained and trauma-informed and can address with expertise the short- and long-term needs of patients who report sexual assault. May serve military or civilian families. Texas Government Code §420.003 and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §56A.351 describe presence of an advocate and mandatory training requirements. Also see sexual assault prevention and response victim advocate (SAPR). A support person is not the same as an advocate with specialized education.