Advocacy
At Clove Alliance, we impart hope and healing through compassionate and personalized advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and their families. This free and confidential support is available around the clock.
Please contact [email protected] or call 815.932.7273 for more information about these services.
Always Here to Support Survivors
Clove Alliance’s staff advocates assist survivors in navigating the legal system. They provide in-person support for sexual assault victims who want to work with the police, state’s attorney office, and court system.
Advocates follow up with detectives and serve as a partners in working with law enforcement. They are also liaisons between the state attorney’s office and survivors, helping them build a relationship with the office—specifically with the Victim & Witness division and the prosecutor assigned to their case.
Court proceedings are another area where advocates can help. They will attend court with survivors, or even in their place. Clove Alliance clients are contacted with updates from court, explanations of what may happen next, and their rights in proceedings. Advocates can also inform survivors of what a trial will entail and aid in completing a victim impact statement for a sentencing hearing.
In addition, Clove Alliance’s advocates can assist with getting emergency civil protective orders for survivors in civil court and work alongside our legal services program to maintain the safety of our clients and protect their rights.
Clove Alliance advocates are also always available to support survivors, their families, and their friends during a visit to the emergency room for a medical examination or evidence collection, commonly called a “rape kit”. Our advocates provide information, share options, and can assist with immediate needs like transportation and shelter. Advocates can also connect survivors with follow-up care such as emergency contraception, pregnancy options, counseling, and other services.
Hospital emergency room staff will call our hotline to page an advocate to the emergency room when a survivor seeks medical care. If the hospital does not contact an advocate, please call our hotline at 815.932.3322.
You can learn more about options after an assault here.