Victim & Survivor Advocacy

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You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you know has been a victim of intimate partner violence, sexual assault or stalking, we are here to help. Our free and confidential services are available to all members of the GVSU community to provide support and empowerment. For additional methods of contact, contact us.

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Victim and Survivor Advocacy Services

Our trained Victim and Survivor Advocates provide victims and survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking or human trafficking with free, confidential, non-judgmental, compassionate support, access to critical resources, and empowerment to build a path to healing. Any member of the Grand Valley State University community can contact a Victim and Survivor Advocate. Advocates assist victims/survivors with goal setting, overcoming barriers, safety planning and navigating resources on campus and in the community. They provide a safe space to talk and process next steps while empowering victims and survivors to move forward in what ever way they choose. You can make an appointment with a Victim and Survivor Advocate to meet in-person, on Zoom, or over the phone Monday through Friday.

Confidentiality is Assured Except in the Following Situations:

  • You authorize your Victim and Survivor Advocate to release records or other information to individuals of your choosing.
  • All Victim and Survivor Advocates are required to disclose any suspicion of harm or risk of harm from abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child and vulnerable adult. 
  • All Victim and Survivor Advocates are required to disclose and break confidentiality if in the event of clear and immediate danger to yourself or someone else. 
  • In certain legal proceedings, confidential information may be disclosed by court order. This is a rare occurrence and would not happen without your knowledge.

* A Victim and Survivor Advocate does not report to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX and/or law enforcement, unless requested by the victim/survivor. Meeting with a Victim and Survivor Advocate DOES NOT start a formal misconduct or criminal process unless a victim/survivor desires to access those options.

One-on-One Advocacy

  • Assistance in developing a safety plan to address immediate and long-term safety concerns
  • Provide information about medical options and procedures, including evidence collection
  • Advocate for academic assistance, housing support, basic needs and/or financial assistance programs
  • Provide referral to supports and services on campus and in the community
  • Assistance for significant others and friends of victim/survivors of gender based violence

Legal Advocacy

Victim and Survivor Advocacy does not provide legal advice, but can provide referral to legal resources. 

Advocates:

  • Inform victims/survivors of their rights and options to make informed decisions 
  • Provide assistance with filing a Personal Protection Order (PPO)
  • Provide accompaniment to court, reporting to law enforcement and/or to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX

Quick Links

University Counseling Center

Employee Assistance Program

Department of Public Safety

Office of Civil Rights & Title IX

Campus Resources

Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence

YWCA West Central Michigan

Victim/Survivor FAQs

A Sexual Assault Forensic Medical exam (or Sexual Assault Nurses Exam), sometimes referred to as a Rape Kit, is a free medical examination to provide medical treatment and/or evidence collection up to 120 hours (5 days) following a sexual assault. Survivors do not have to report to police in order to receive a forensic medical exam and/or for evidence to be collected. 

    Forensic Medical Exams can be performed at the YWCA in Grand Rapids and Resilience in Holland for up to 120 hours (5 days) after an assault. 

    The forensic medical exam is voluntary and any part of the forensic medical exam may be declined by the victim/survivor. You may stop, pause or skip any part of the exam. 

    In general here are the steps of a forensic medical exam:

    • Immediate Medical Care - addressing injuries that need immediate attention.
    • The nurse will gather a detailed medical history as well as details about the assault. These questions may be personal, but they help to guide the nurse during the evidence collection process. What you share is documented and included in the sexual assault kit. 
    • The nurse may offer a head-to-toe physical examination, examination of the genitalia, collect swabs of any body areas that may contain evidence, collection of clothing, other evidence, blood, urine samples and photographs of injuries. This is optional and you have the right to decline anything you are uncomfortable with.
    • The nurse will discuss potential risk for sexually transmitted infections, HIV and/or pregnancy. The nurse will discuss options for preventative medical care, treatment and testing.
    • At the end you will be provided information for follow up medical care and resources.

    You have the right to choose whether to release your Sexual Assault Kit to law enforcement and make a police report, or for your evidence to be stored at the healthcare facility for at least one year.

    If you choose to release your kit to police, you have the right to know the results of the forensic testing. Contact the police agency investigating the sexual assault, a local sexual assault services program or the prosecutor's office for assistance.

    • Preserve Evidence.
      • Avoid doing anything that could damage evidence such as bathing, eating, brushing teeth, changing clothing, doing laundry, etc. - you can still have an exam if you have done any of these things.
      • Place items such as clothing or bedding into a paper bag to safely preserve evidence. Note that plastic bags can damage evidence.
    • Schedule your exam as soon as you are ready. Although you have up to 5 days, having your exam sooner will allow for more options for evidence collection and preventative care.
    • Consider what would help you to feel more comfortable. You may want to bring a change of clothes with you. The process can be lengthy, so feel free to bring a support person with you if you'd like.

    Sexual and intimate partner violence can have psychological, emotional and physical effects on a survivor. These effects can be managed with support. Below is a list of common responses (*please note that this is not an exhaustive list.)

    • Physical Responses
      • Sleep disturbances and fatigue
      • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
      • Loss of coordination, tremors, or shakiness
      • Pain (such as headache, stomach ache, chest pains, muscle aches, etc.)
      • Rapid heart rate
      • Difficulty breathing
      • Appetite changes
      • Changes in sexual libido
      • Feeling easily started
    • Emotional or Psychological Responses:
      • Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or panic attacks
      • Hypervigilance
      • Feeling overwhelmed
      • Guilt, shame
      • Feeling helpless, powerless, lost or abandoned
      • Numbness
      • Shock and disbelief
      • Grief
      • Negative body image or self-consciousness
      • Sudden mood changes or emotional outbursts (anger, irritability, crying,
    • Cognitive
      • Memory problems or loss
      • Flashbacks, nightmares
      • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, decreased attention span
      • Thinking about trauma constantly
      • Racing thoughts
      • Difficulty processing
    • Avoidance and Denial
      • Avoiding thinking or talking about the traumatic experience
      • Avoiding specific situations, people or places
      • Withdrawal, isolation (missing classes, change or loss of connection with University or Community, etc.)
      • Acting as if nothing has changed
      • Minimizing - thinking the abuse was not as bad as someone else's
    • Common Coping Mechanisms
      • Increased alcohol or drug use
      • Unusual behavior
      • Excessive humor
      • Self injury
      • Changes in appearance
      • Changes in sexual behavior

    Red flags are warning signs that you might be in an abusive relationship. If you feel threatened, isolated or fearful of breaking up with your partner, you might be in an abusive relationship. Perpetrators often keep you from hanging out with friends/family, check up on you constantly, blame you for their actions, criticize your thoughts and beliefs and threaten to kill themselves if you break up with them.

    Does your partner:

    • Make derogatory remarks or undermine your opinions?
    • Criticize your clothing, your interests or other things you like? Insult your intelligence, your body or your looks?
    • Constantly check on your whereabouts, calling or texting you all the time? (Who are you with? When will you be home? Require you to share your location?)
    • Insist on checking your text messages, emails, social media accounts? Do they check these without your consent?
    • Ignore you or give you the silent treatment?
    • Forbid or limit your contact with your friends or family; your partner isolates you?
    • Compare you to previous dating partners?
    • Not like when you hang out with friends? Is your partner intensely jealous of your interaction with others?
    • Force you to have sex or be sexual when you do not want to?
    • Threaten to kill themselves if you break up with them?
    • Lose their temper over small things? Is their anger frightening?
    • Throw things, kick things, or break things when mad?
    • Blame you or others for their behavior?

    Do you:

    • Have a gut feeling that something is not right?
    • Feel afraid to break up with your partner?

    *These are only warning signs that you may be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. If you feel that you are in an abusive relationship, please contact the Victim Advocate for assistance.

    When someone you care for discloses that they have experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence, you may not know what to say. These conversations are not easy and may not feel comfortable, so here are some tips and suggestions to respond with empathy when someone discloses an experience of violence: 

    • Listen. Let the victim/survivor know you care and are here to listen. You could say, “you’re not alone. I am here for you.” Let them share with you as much or as little as they want. While they are sharing, show active listening skills. You could ask open ended questions such as, "how are you feeling?" It is difficult to hear that someone you care about was hurt. Threatening the person who perpetrated is not helpful to the victim/survivor. Since survivors often know the person who assaulted them, it is important to be mindful of their feelings. The survivor may still care for that person. It is the survivor's decision on how they want to move forward.
    • Thank them. Let them know that you appreciate that they trust you enough to share with you. You could say, “thank you for sharing with me” or "I'm really glad you told me about this."
    • Believe. Tell the survivor, “I believe you.” Often survivors fear reporting or talking about a traumatic experience because they fear they won't be believed.  Let them know that they are not to blame for the incident. You can say things such as “it’s not your fault“ or "you didn't deserve that to happen to you." Never blame the victim or tell them that they aren't being truthful. Remember it is not your job to investigate. Avoid any “why” questions such as, “why didn't you leave?” or “why didn't you call me?” Asking questions that lay blame on the victim are not helpful. It is never a victim's fault if they were assaulted or abused. 
    • Show Support.  Let the survivor know that healing can take time and that their feelings are normal. “How you are feeling is normal.”
    • Empower the victim/survivor. It is important to give power back to victim/survivors. You can help identify support systems such as counseling or crisis centers. Encourage them to seek help. Let the person control what happens following an incident of violence. Don’t force them to report, call the police or go to the hospital. Support the survivor's decisions, even if you disagree with them. Ask questions such as:
      • "How can I help? What would you like to do?"
      • Never touch a victim without their consent. You can ask, "is it okay to hug you?" Even if you want to give someone a hug or show that you care through physical touch, it is important to ask first.
      • "Where would you like me to sit?"
    • Take care of yourself, too. It is normal to feel an array of emotions when you learn someone you care for has experienced violence. Many agencies that offer free services to victims also offer free services to family and friends affected by vicarious trauma after an incident of violence. The GVSU victim advocate is here to support anyone who has been affected by gender based violence.

    The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) was created to conceal the addresses of victims of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and of individuals at risk of being threatened or physically harmed from being located by their perpetrators through public records. Participants receive newly designated addresses when they relocate, providing a secure alternative to their actual physical address. Survivors can use the substitute address for employers, public schools (including Grand Valley State University), government agencies, libraries and state benefits. 

    Victim and Survivor Advocates at GVSU are trained and certified by the program to provide application assistance. 

    Campus and Community Resources

    In case of emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

    Law Enforcement / Reporting Options On Campus

    Grand Valley State University Police Department
    Facilities Services Building (SER)
    616-331-3255
    www.gvsu.edu/dps/

    Office of Civil Rights and Title IX
    4015 Zumberge Hall (JHZ)
    616-331-9530
    www.gvsu.edu/titleix

    Grand Valley State University is committed to creating and advancing a campus community where you feel empowered to raise concerns, ask for help, or learn about your options before making any decisions. If you have experienced, witnessed, been impacted by sexual misconduct (sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking), harassment, or discrimination, or impacted by an allegation, staff in the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX can assist in finding the options that feel right for you.

    Office of Civil Rights & Title IX staff are also aware that your concerns may be of a sensitive nature and can offer support to help you.  The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX staff are available to discuss resources, supportive measures, options for resolution, and GVSU's prohibition of retaliation against individuals for filing a report or for participating in a resolution process.

    Anonymous Reporting Options

     

    Off Campus Law Enforcement

    Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office
    12220 Fillmore Street
    West Olive, MI 49460
    616-738-4000
    Non-Emergency Dispatch: 1-800-249-0911
    www.miottawa.org/Sheriff

    Holland Police Department
    89 W 8th Street
    Holland, MI 49423
    616-355-1100
    Non-Emergency Dispatch: 1-800-249-0911
    www.cityofholland.com/police

    Grand Rapids Victim Services Unit

    Zeeland Police - Non-emergency (616) 772-9725 

    Michigan State Police - Non-emergency (989) 732-5141 

     

    Safety Planning Resources

    GVSU Resources

    Resources by Location

    State of Michigan Resources

    National Resources

    Sexual Assault Nurse Exams can be performed for up to 120 hours (5 days) after an assault. 

    Heath & Wellness Resources:

    Academic Success Center

    Academic Advising

    Tutoring 

    Knowledge Market

    Career Center

    Student Accessibilty Resources

    TRIO Student Support

    Student Ombuds

    Office of Student Support and Belonging

    Academic Policies and Regulations

    Class Attendance & Bereavement Policy 

    Course Add/Drop - Important Dates

    Tuition Refund Appeal

    GVSU Resources

    The CARE Team provides holistic support to GVSU students. If you or someone you know needs support from the CARE Team, you can submit a Student of Concern CARE Referral here.

    CARE referrals can be submitted for health and safety, family issues, or life situations. CARE referrals can also be submitted for student concerns that are related to resource needs. 

    Replenish Basic Needs Center

    Laptops for Lakers

    Special Circumstances & Financial Hardship Requests

      Heart of West Michigan United Way: 2-1-1

       

      GVSU Resources

      • The University Counseling Center (616-331-3266) is free for students and is located on both the Allendale and Pew Campus. Individual and group counseling is available.
         
      • Staff and Faculty are eligible for the Encompass Employee Assistance program, a third party employee assistance program (EAP) which offers 24/7 crisis support, consultation, and coaching. Access free resources by creating an online account at www.MyLifeExpert.com using the code "GVSUNI" and book up to 7 free sessions with Encompass by calling 1-800-788-8630.

      Local Resources

      National Resources

      GVSU Confidential Resources for Students

      GVSU Confidential Resources for Employees

      Heart of West Michigan United Way
      Heart of West Michigan United Way unites resources in West Michigan to help fight poverty. This branch of the United Way is located at 118 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. 

      hwmuw.org
      Call: 211 OR 1-800 - 887-1107
      Email: [email protected]
      Text your zip code to: 898211.* Standard message and data rates may apply.

      A.Y.A. Youth Collective
      Call: (616) 406-3945
      Email: [email protected]

      Covenant House
      Covenant House Michigan is a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides assistance to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth ages 18-24. Covenant House provides shelter, educational and vocational programs, as well as other support services, to help overcome hurdles such as homelessness, unemployment, inadequate education, violence, drugs and gangs. 
      Call: (616) 608-1380

      Dwelling Place  
      Dwelling Place  has several housing communities in West Michigan, including homes, apartments, supportive housing, and transitional housing. Dwelling Place offers other support services to meet individual needs.

      dwellingplacegr.org
      Call: (616) 454-0928
      Email: [email protected]

      Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)  
      The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) partners to provide homes and preserve places for the people of Michigan. Depending on your housing needs, click on the Rental or Homeless buttons.

      michigan.gov/mshda

      The Salvation Army: Kent County
      The Salvation Army: Kent County is here to connect people who are literally homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness to the best available housing resource in the community.  If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, please contact them right away.

      salvationarmy.org
      Call: 211 OR 1-800 - 887-1107

      Find additional resources

      The Find Help site can help you find resources and other free or reduced cost programs depending on your need, and United Way – 211 is another option that connects people to more than 2,900 services.

      GVSU Resources

      Allendale

      Kent County

      Ottawa County

      State of Michigan

      National Resources

      GVSU Resources

      Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Food Assistance/SNAP Resources

      The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offers food assistance! Apply for the Food Assistance Program online at michigan.gov/mibridges.

      The Women, Infants, Children Program (WIC)

       

      Allendale

      Kent County

      Ottawa County

      Need an Attorney?

      Courts & Personal Protection Orders

      Inmate Look Up

      Immigration Resources

      GVSU Resources

      Student Accessibility Resources
      215 The Blue Connection
      (616) 331-2490
      dsr @gvsu.edu

      Office of Civil Rights and Title IX
      4015 James H. Zumberge Hall
      (616) 331-9530
      [email protected]

      Nursing Locations

      Childcare Support

      Financial Support Resources

      Kent County

      Muskegon County

      Ottawa County

      State of Michigan Resources

      National Resources

      “Always remember that you are enough. The future is brighter than the past. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!”

      —

      Anonymous GVSU Student
      Believe Survivors

      Making a donation can change the life of a survivor. Your gifts provide a safety net for survivors impacted by sexual or intimate partner violence, ensuring that they have access to critical resources, prevention and response efforts and empowerment to build a future free from violence. Every donation helps! You can provide support to survivors by donating monthly or making a one-time gift to the Survivor Support fund. Check out other ways that you can support our work!

      If you have any questions, please contact Kaylee Barkman at [email protected], call (616) 331-2742 or schedule an appointment.

      Give to the Survivor Support Fund!

      Want to learn more?

      Our Violence Prevention Education program aims to end sexual and intimate partner violence before they occur to ensure a safe, supportive campus environment where all members of our community can thrive without fear of harm or intimidation. 

      Violence Prevention Education


      Page last modified November 17, 2025
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