FAQ

Here are the answers to some commnly asked questions.

Please contact the advocate at 850-412-5667 for additional information.

Absolutely! The advocate will use language you're comfortable with when talking about what happened. Regardless of criminal law or your decision to report, the advocate is here to support you.
Hannah has a graduate degree in clinical social work (MSW). She has previous experiences in campus advocacy, suicide prevention, and mental health. She is credentialed through the National Advocate Credentialing Program and is working on her Florida clinical social work license. She was previously licensed in social work in her home state of South Carolina.

Hannah regularly attends trainings in cultural competency, federal and state laws, higher education policy, and best practices in anti-oppressive advocacy.
Refuge House will perform SANE exams up to five days (120 hours) after the violence happened. Whenever possible, these exams are done at the SAFE Center instead of a hospital. A trained nurse will collect evidence, look for injuries, and offer medications and tests for pregnancy and STIs.

Even if you decide not to have evidence collected, medical follow-up is available for free through Student Health Services. Please call the advocate at 850-412-5667 with any questions. Because Hannah is not a doctor or nurse, she may not be able to answer specific medical questions.

An injunction is Florida's legal term for a restraining order. The five types in Florida are sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, and repeat violence.
Injunctions are given through the civil court process, not criminal court. However, violating an injunction is a criminal offense.

The advocate can help you file for an injunction, go with you to court hearings, and refer you for free legal representation. Refuge House also has staff at the courthouse to assist with filing.

In addition to an injunction, you may be interested in a no contact order through the university. These orders can also be given if you don't have an injunction. Please reach out to Hannah with any questions.

The most important thing you can do is believe your friend. Listen to them without judging or interrupting. Just knowing that you are there for them can make a big difference.

You can also reach out to the advocate with any questions. While Hannah cannot discuss details of your friend's case without your friend's written permission, she can answer general questions about supporting survivors, court, Title IX, etc.

Anyone can support by being a good bystander and sharing information about the advocate. The advocate is available to present to student groups, classes, departments, etc.
Student organizations that work to promote prevention and intervention include Warriors Against Rape and Generation Action.

Graduate students interested in interning should first check to see if FAMU's Victim Advocate Program is an approved site. If so, reach out to the advocate to talk more.

Hannah is happy to help coordinate supply donations to Refuge House. Service hours may be available for students and organizations related to these activities.