Whether the assault happened recently or years ago, you have options and support available to you. If you would like to discuss these options with an Embrace Advocate at any time, day or night, call Embrace at 1.800.924.0556.

On-Call Crisis Advocates can respond in-person to hospitals during medical forensic exams, sometimes called Sexual Assault Nurse Exams (SANE), and domestic violence medical care exams following physical incidents or injuries. Advocates are also able to attend interviews conducted by law enforcement or forensic interviewers after an incident has occurred. Embrace On-Call Crisis Advocates also have the capability to arrange transportation for you to come to shelter, if needed. Because of safety concerns, Advocates may not be able to go to your home or other private places. Advocates may be able to meet you at open, public locations to pick you up and transport you to safe shelter.

When an On-Call Crisis Advocate comes to meet you in-person, their role is to be a support person for you and help you voice your needs during the exams and interviews following a domestic or sexual violence incident. They will help you explore all options available to you including options for reporting and receiving medical care. Embrace On-Call Crisis Advocates are focused on supporting you no matter what. Your wishes, safety, and well-being are our priorities.

Yes. On-Call Crisis Advocates and all of Embrace’s services are free. Regardless of travel involved, how often you meet with our Advocates, or the reporting options you choose to pursue, you will never be charged for our support and advocacy. Interpreter services are available for survivors receiving services. You have the right to an interpreter at no cost to you.

Embrace Advocates can help you explore options to cover the cost of SANE exams and medical care.

Yes. 100%. What you choose to share with Embrace, stays with Embrace. All of our advocates are confidential and conversations with your Advocate are protected and privileged under Wisconsin State Statute. Personally identifying information, such as your name or address, will not be disclosed to anyone without your written and informed consent.

Yes. Minors also have the right to request an On-Call Crisis Advocate to support them during medical exams and victim interviews. Minors receiving services from Embrace also have the same confidentiality protections as adults. Embrace staff can not tell anyone, including your parents, that you are receiving services without your written consent.

No. Your Embrace On-Call Crisis Advocate can explain your reporting options — including the option to not report — but speaking with an Embrace Advocate about your options does not constitute filing an official report or complaint with anyone. Filing a report is a different step, and if you choose to report, Embrace can connect you with the appropriate agencies and support you during the reporting process.

No. All Embrace’s staff and the services they provide are completely non-judgemental, and Embrace On-Call Crisis Advocates will never pressure you to make a decision or be upset about a decision you make. Embrace knows you are the expert in your own life and only you can choose what’s going to be best and safest for you and your situation. It’s the role of the On-Call Crisis Advocate to make sure you have all the information and know your rights, so you can make an informed decision. We recognize reporting to law enforcement might not look the same or be a safe option for everyone. You can decide to report the violence at a later time too. Embrace is completely separate from law enforcement.

Rape, sexual assault, and reproductive coercion, even by an intimate partner or spouse, are crimes in Wisconsin that violate basic human rights and body autonomy. Embrace On-Call Crisis Advocates will provide you the full-scope of options and believe that women have the right to make their own, informed decisions about their bodies and their lives. You may not be clear about whether or not you want to go ahead with the pregnancy, and that’s okay. Embrace On-Call Crisis Advocates are here to listen to your thoughts, feelings, and share all options available to you including abortion care in a safe and supportive environment where you will not be pressured about your decision.

Embrace has a partnership with local public health nurses that makes emergency contraception (sometimes called Plan B, an over-the-counter pregnancy prevention medication) available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Emergency contraception prevents you from becoming pregnant in the first place. Ask your Embrace On-Call Crisis Advocate how you can quickly access this. Embrace provides access to emergency contraception at all four county office locations. Call us at 1.800.924.0556 for more information.

To reach an Embrace Advocate now, call 1.800.924.0556.

If you have already connected with law enforcement or a hospital, Wisconsin law says you have the right to have an advocate with you. You can ask the officer or medical provider to call Embrace for an On-Call Crisis Advocate.

If someone you know has experienced violence, here are some tips to support them:

• Believe them.
• Tell them it’s not their fault.
• Tell them you care and are worried about them. Let them know they don’t deserve to be treated this way.
• Listen to what they have to say and ask what you can do to help —don’t assume you know what is best for them. Don’t make them do anything they don’t want to do. Empower them to make their own decisions.
• Respect their confidentiality—don’t tell others about their experience without their consent.
• Support, don’t judge. Try to understand if they go back to their abusive partner. Know that leaving an abusive relationship is hard and can take a long time.
• Let them know you’ll be there no matter what they decide.
• Encourage them to build a wide support system. Suggest talking to other friends and family or going to a support group.
• Tell them they aren’t crazy—many people who experience sexual violence or abusive relationships can feel that way.
• Point out their strengths—many people who experience sexual violence or are in abusive relationships have a hard time remembering their own abilities and gifts.
• Don’t get in a dangerous situation with their partner. Consider calling the police or 911 if you witness an assault or feel you are in danger.
• Help them think of ways to increase their safety.
• Take care of yourself. Supporting someone you care about in a tough situation can be hard. Take care of your needs, and ask for help if you need it. Embrace also supports loved ones and friends who know someone experiencing violence. Reach out 24/7 to talk to an Embrace Advocate by calling 1.800.924.0556.