Survivor Advocate

For Students Who Have Experienced Sexual or Relationship Violence

If you have experienced sexual or relationship violence, Stony Brook University’s Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist (Survivor Advocate) is here to help you.

The Survivor Advocate  provides confidential support to Stony Brook students who experience any kind of sexual or relationship violence, including domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.  They can provide you with support and connect you to resources both on and off campus, such as assisting you with obtaining medical care, psychological counseling and other services that  can help you heal.

Christine Szaraz, LMHC
Assistant Director, Center for Prevention and Outreach
(631) 457-9981
christine.szaraz@stonybrook.edu

Survivor Support Space

A non-clinical, drop-in space for those who have experienced sexual and/or relationship violence, hosted by CPO staff. Connect with others to learn about common impacts of violence as well as strategies survivors can use for coping and self-care, and explore on and off campus resources for support.

The Survivor Support Space is held weekly on Thursdays at 1pm in the CPO office (Union 108) throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist?
  The Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist (Survivor Advocate) is someone who is a confidential resource for students who have experienced sexual and/or relationship violence.  The Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist provides comprehensive survivor-focused services, including on-call crisis support and emergency response to survivors. They can assist you with  accessing medical services and a forensic exam at the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) center in Stony Brook University Hospital Emergency Department. They can also connect you to support services and resources both on- and off- campus and help you understand your reporting options.
• If I do not want to report the incident, can I still meet with the Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist?
  Yes, you can meet with the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist to discuss supportive resources available both on and off campus.  The Survivor Advocate can review your reporting options, however the choice to report or not report is yours.  You are not required to report.
• If I speak to the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist does that mean I have made a report to the school?
  No, meeting with the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist does not mean you have made a report with the school.  If you want to report or file a formal complaint you can report the incident to the Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at www.stonybrook.edu/reportit.  The Survivor Advocate can assist you with reporting an incident when requested.
• Will the Survivor Advocate report an incident to the University or local police?
  No.  The choice to report an incident or not to report an incident to University or local police belongs to you.   The Survivor Advocate can review your reporting options with you, including your right to report any incident that may also be a crime to the University or Local police and can accompany you to make a report when requested.
• Can I meet with the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist more than once?
  Yes, you can meet with the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist as many times as you feel is needed.  The Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist is not able to provide therapeutic services but will refer you to on and off campus counseling centers.
• Can I speak to the Survivor Advocate if my assault occurred off campus?
  Yes, the Survivor Advocate can assist you whether the incident occurred on or off campus and will discuss reporting and resource options both on and off campus.
• If I choose to have a forensic exam done, is there someone who can take me?

  Survivors of sexual assault are strongly advised seek medical attention and to have an exam completed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) as soon as possible, but no later than 5 days after the incident. The Survivor Advocate can coordinate transportation to the SANE Center through the University Police. You do not need to report the incident to the police to access this service..  

  Please contact the Survivor Advocate line at (631) 457-9981.

• How do I contact SBU’s Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist?
  Christine Szaraz, Assistant Director of Center for Prevention and Outreach can be reached at (631) 457-9981.
• Does the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist provide training?
  Yes, the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist can provide education surrounding these issues as well as their role on campus.  If you are interested in having the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist provide a training for your class, club or any other group please email christine.szaraz@stonybrook.edu to discuss availability.