The Cornell Victim Advocacy Program: Support, Assistance, & Advocacy
*While this video primarily addresses concerns of students, the Victim Advocacy Program is available to any member of the Cornell community.
[Photographs of areas and buildings on Cornell’s campus appear in the background]
When someone experiences a harmful, threatening or violent incident such as sexual violence, relationship violence, sexual harassment, stalking or a bias-related incident or hazing— a trusted friend or family member can offer support and comfort.  But there will also be many questions and options to consider: What should I do? 
Should I report the incident? Will anyone believe me? 
Should I get medical care? 
Am I safe? What if I don’t want to see the person who hurt me? 
How can I manage my academics?
The questions may seem overwhelming at times. This is when the Cornell Victim Advocacy Program can help.
Cornell victim advocates provide an opportunity to discuss what happened and find personal support. 
We help students think through and decide what, if anything, they want to do next, what they might need, what their options are. 
The service is free, available to all undergraduate, graduate and professional students and other members of the Cornell community and is designed to help each person obtain the support and services they deserve.
Text: Who we are and what do
Cornell’s confidential Victim Advocates are trained staff members who can offer a wide range of information, suggest options and facilitate connections to other Cornell offices. 
We can help a student navigate the challenges they may be experiencing and ease the burden of trying to make sense of the systems and resources that are available to them.
 Advocates are not therapists or lawyers. Our role is to empower students to determine what they need after a difficult situation and decide on a course of action.

We are sensitive to the diverse needs and experiences of students at Cornell and provide respectful, compassionate student-centered care. The first step to connect with an advocate is a phone call or a meeting where we talk with the individual to find out what their priorities and concerns are. 
Whether it is one phone call, or requires on-going contact, victim advocates can be a source of support and help when needed most. 
Text: Non-judgmental Support
Advocates can be part of a larger support network, or we can be the sole support if an individual isn’t ready to share with anyone else. 
We’re here to provide non-judgmental help, even when it’s hard to ask for it.

Text: Services Available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Health.cornell.edu/VA
Contact us: victimadvocate@cornell.edu  
607-255-1212