Help is available here in your language.
La ayuda está disponible aquí en su idioma.
在这里可以使用您的语言获得帮助。
L’aide est disponible ici dans votre langue.
Ở đây có hỗ trợ bằng ngôn ngữ của bạn.
المساعدة متاحة هنا بلغتك.
እገዛ በእርስዎ ቋንቋ እዚህ ይገኛል።

Youth Advocates

Youth Advocates are there around the clock to support and accompany you through the process of getting a SANE exam, reporting to police, and any interview with a District Agency about what happened to you. They can also talk to you about your options and rights to help you decide on your next steps. Advocates are there solely to support and accompany you, and help you navigate this process.

Youth Advocates can provide confidential services. This means your information cannot be shared without your written permission. They are also mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect in certain types of cases. For an explanation of what that may mean for you, visit Resources on Confidentiality & Mandated Reporting.

To reach an advocate 24/7, call or text DC Victim Hotline here.

Quick Links

DC Victim Hotline
Who are youth advocates?

FAQs & Rights

Under District law, beginning at age 13, you have the right to:

Accompaniment by a free, confidential, community-based advocate when getting a SANE exam, at any point in the hospital visit related to the sexual assault, and during any interview with police or another District agency

Confidential communication with that advocate unless you give them permission in writing to speak with others on your behalf

Only have the advocate contact CFSA if the person who harmed you is (1) more than four years older than you are, or (2) has a significant relationship to you such as a parent or guardian, a coach, minister, or household member as defined in District law

Get a SANE exam free of charge whether you wish to speak with police about what happened to you or not

Have any evidence collected during a SANE exam tested by the lab within 90 days, and to be given the results of that testing

Advocates work for a community-based, nonprofit organization in the District. They are not part of law enforcement. They do not work for the government or for the hospital. They are there solely to help you.

Safe Shores - The DC Children's Advocacy Center provides Advocate services for youth under the age of 18.
Safe Shores
Advocates can meet you at the hospital when you're seeking a SANE exam, or at the location of an interview with police or any District government agency to support you and provide:

Information about your rights under District and federal law both as a survivor of sexual assault and as a youth, and help understanding the reporting and medical process

Safety planning and emotional support

Help tracking your evidence kit through the lab testing process

Legal referrals and help getting a protection order

Referrals to other resources such as housing, food, counseling, and follow up medical care

Transportation to and from the hospital for a SANE exam

Help talking with a parent or other supportive adult about what happened

When you talk to a Sexual Assault Advocate or Sexual Assault Counselor what you say is private and protected by law. However, there are some circumstances where your Advocate may be required to share limited information to keep young people safe. To get more information about what this may mean for you, visit Resources on Confidentiality & Mandated Reporting.