The GRAC offers in-person and virtual confidential advocacy services. Book an appointment with the Confidential Advocate. Phone or online appointments can also be scheduled via email. Contact: <confidential-advocate> for an appointment.
If you would rather talk to a trained student advocate, the SARAs support students in the GRAC Mon - Thu from 3 - 7 pm and Fri from 3 - 6 pm.
The Confidential Advocate and the SARAs are state-certified advocates. We support victims and survivors as they choose the path that is right for them. We offer informed choices and resources that may be beneficial for the circumstances presented. We outline reporting options through the university or law enforcement and make connections to local community agencies. The Confidential Advocate coordinates with campus partners for support measures. We support the university in providing remedies to victims and survivors whether or not they choose to report formally through the Sexual Misconduct or Title IX process. Email or stop by for more information about our services.
Additionally, we recognize that many students who are not necessarily survivors of gender-based violence, need resources, support, and advocacy particularly as their frustration, anger, or pain concerns injustice. We aim to provide anti-racist, gender-inclusive feminist support to all students in need of care.
We encourage survivors to consider personal safety and privacy as you prepare for an advocacy appointment. Select the communication method (in-person, phone, or video conferencing) you believe entails the least risk for you. Deciding on the best communication option is up to you.
We can help create a safety plan if any of any concerns exist. A safety plan is a helpful tool to either navigate or end an abusive or unhealthy relationship. To complete a personalized safety plan online, visit LoveIsRespect.org.
To pursue non-confidential reporting options on campus that will connect a survivor with an advocate, in addition to the Office of Student Affairs, complete the online sexual misconduct report.
To receive limited medical response services as a result of sexual assault like emergency contraception and STI testing at no cost, contact Bishop Wellness Center at 503-370-6471 to schedule an appointment.
For comprehensive medical care, including a sexual assault forensic exam, visit the Salem Hospital Emergency Department.
Confidential Advocate
The confidential advocate can work with students to help sort through options and resources available at Willamette and in the community that might be helpful.
Some of the ways that advocacy can assist students is to:
- Explain reporting options (to the university or law enforcement).
- Understand what happens next with a Title IX/Sexual Misconduct report and any related processes.
- Talk through what has happened, and act as a space to share concerns.
- Assist with housing changes or temporary housing (both on and off campus options).
- Assist a student with their academic success (getting extended deadlines, communicating with professors, changing class schedules, etc.).
- Explain options available through Human Resources, and the HR process for handling matters like this as they relate to employees.
- Navigate medical/counseling or other support resources (on and off campus).
Answer questions students may have, or help find information needed for unique circumstances.
Email: confidential-advocate@willamette.edu
Phone: 503-375-5361
Sexual Assault Response Advocates
SARA Mission
SARA is a network of trained, unbiased peer advocates who provide CONFIDENTIAL support, resources, and education to all members of the Willamette University community who have experienced sexual or domestic harassment, assault, or violence.
Survivor/Victim Centered Approach
Everyone is affected by power-based violence, and there are many groups that must work together in reducing this problem. The SARA program is one vital part of this movement, and in order to be most effective, we stay focused on our specific role. That role is to provide services and support to survivors and victims. We do this by abiding by the following beliefs:
- Sexual or domestic violence is never the survivor’s fault.
- Perpetrators choose to commit sexual or domestic violence.
- It is a survivor’s choice how they move forward, including but not limited to whether or not they access medical help, whether or not they choose to report, and if or how they choose to interact with the perpetrator.
- SARAs ensure there is a place where survivors feel heard, believed, and validated.
Hotline: 503-851-4245
Email: SARA-Resources@willamette.edu
Off Campus Resources
Local resources such as crisis centers, counselors, doctors, staff at Salem Hospital/ER, members of the clergy, chaplains and off-campus rape crisis center staff can also maintain confidentiality. They have no duty to report your information to the university.
24 Hour Hotline (503) 399-7722
- 24-hour hotline with a fully-staffed office of confidential advocates
General Information - (503) 378-1572
- Community resource for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as their allies
- Provides trainings and educational services to the Salem community regarding issues of sexual assault and domestic violence
Salem Hospital Emergency Department
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE Program)
- Medical exam for injury and forensic evidence collection post assault
- Medications for possible STI exposure and pregnancy prevention offered to survivors at no cost
- A trained advocate offered to support survivors during visit
- Reporting to law enforcement is NOT REQUIRED to access care
Psychiatric Crisis Center (503) 585-4949
- 24-hour telephone support and assessments at agency