In an effort to clarify purpose and better meet the needs of students on campus, Brigham Young University is updating the title of victim advocate to sexual assault survivor advocate.
“The term ‘victim’ is becoming far less accepted in the vernacular surrounding those who have been sexually assaulted,” said Lisa Leavitt, BYU’s sexual assault survivor advocate. “Survivor is the term more commonly used.”
With the title change, BYU joins several other universities nationwide seeking to empower women and men who have been sexually assaulted.
The sexual assault survivor advocate assists students at Brigham Young University who have experienced rape, sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking.
The survivor advocate works one-on-one with students providing support, guidance and information to help them make more informed choices regarding their situation. In addition, the advocate works to connect students with resources both on and off campus and helps students in navigating university policies and procedures, counseling services, the medical process and the law enforcement system, should they choose to report.
All services provided by the survivor advocate are free and confidential.
