By Dana Rosenwasser
July 16, 2018
“When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m an advocate. I’m always an advocate for victims,” Carrie says with pride and conviction. For over a decade, Carrie has been part of a unique rape survivor advocate volunteer program at our Community Program in Staten Island. As a volunteer, she offers support, comfort, and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault.
About Safe Horizon’s Rape Crisis Advocate Volunteers
Our rape survivor advocate volunteers meet survivors when they arrive at the emergency department at Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital. Volunteers complete a comprehensive and rigorous training program that covers rape and sexual assault laws and survivor’s rights, medical treatment information and protocols as well as the roles of hospital staff and law enforcement officials. They use this knowledge to advocate on the survivor’s behalf.
Working with Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault
The emergency room can be a hectic place for survivors of rape and sexual assault. That’s why Carrie takes a gentle and neutral approach. “When I meet a rape survivor, I let them know immediately that I have no agenda except to be there for them,” she explains. “My sole purpose is to be there to answer their questions and to make sure the survivor can leave the hospital with peace of mind.” This includes making the survivor as comfortable as possible whether it’s getting them food and water or providing a listening ear or shoulder to lean on. “As an advocate, you’re meeting a survivor not long after the assault happened, so they may feel confused or scared. Everyone’s response to trauma is always different, so it’s important to listen.”
Carrie further remarked that “the most important thing is to remind survivors that what happened to them could not possibly be their fault – this is not something they caused or deserve. As an advocate, you may be the first person to say this to them and you just can’t say it enough.”
How Carrie Became an Advocate for Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault
Before becoming an advocate, Carrie worked in the financial district and was touched by the September 11th tragedy. “I lost a lot of people I knew personally – neighbors, coworkers, and friends. After the attacks, I wanted to do something to give back…to help people in some way. I just didn’t know which way yet.” When she heard the horrors of the Nixzmary Brown case, “it marked a turning point for me – a light bulb went off. I had been trying to figure out what to do next and it became very clear to me.” Carrie found the opportunity to become a volunteer rape survivor advocate. It was a unique opportunity to make an impact on someone’s life by being there during their darkest hours and try to make their situation a little better. This work has been a passion of hers ever since.
Carrie feels this work is more necessary than ever. Sexual assault has been the most under-reported crime for many reasons, but that is beginning to shift. “Thanks to the #MeToo movement and generally raising awareness about sexual assault, reporting is up and more survivors are seeking medical attention after an assault.”
Carrie knows what it means to the survivors when they have someone personally advocating for their rights. “It’s a privilege to work with people who may be at one of the lowest points in their lives. You’re in a crucial role to help them begin the journey to healing and overcoming the traumatic event.”
The program has helped over 1,000 survivors of rape and sexual assault, but it isn’t our only resource for rape and sexual assault survivors. Our 24-hour rape and sexual assault hotline is staffed by compassionate and caring advocates who can provide connections to resources or just a listening ear. Our 24-hour rape and sexual assault hotline (212-227-3000) is available 24-hours a day and our advocates are standing by for anyone who is ready to talk. Our Community Programs can help with in-person help and connections to resources. To find out how our Community Program can help you, click here or call the Citywide Helpline: 855-234-1042.