Volunteer Advocates Offer Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault

Staff members in the division of student affairs volunteer their time to provide support during the process if a student who has been sexually assaulted chooses to report and have a medical forensic exam done.

The Support, Training, Advocacy, and Resources (STAR Central) office at the Pat Walker Health Center facilitates a two-day training for volunteer advocates, and is open to full-time staff members in the division of student affairs. The volunteer advocates are on-call for week-long shifts after hours and on weekends, and are committed to supporting and believing the victim no matter the situation.

The STAR Central office has established a partnership with Willow Creek Hospital for students who choose to report and have an exam completed in a timely and compassionate manner. Volunteer advocates are called to meet the student at Willow Creek.

“We have a trained advocate present during the process to provide compassionate support, answer questions, and ensure follow-up resources are provided,” said Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, director of STAR Central, adding, “a few hours of support during a very difficult time can make a lifetime difference.”

To learn more about the volunteer advocate program or to obtain resources please visit health.uark.edu/starcentral or call 479-575-7252.