Advocacy Services
What are advocacy services?
"Advocacy services" is a general term to describe a variety of services offered to survivors of gender-based violence. Trauma-informed, trained advocates in the Wellness Center are available to answer any questions that you may have, including how to report an incident of violence, where to seek medical care, what resources exist on- and off-campus, what Loyola's conduct process looks like, how to safety plan, and more. An advocate's role is to provide nonjudgmental, confidential support. Advocacy services are confidential, meaning that in speaking to a trained advocate, the advocate is not required to tell anyone else what has been shared. The exceptions to confidentiality include if someone discloses that they may harm themselves or others.
Who are advocates?
Advocates at Loyola are professional staff members and trained volunteers in the Wellness Center who have completed over 40 hours of training to become a certified Sexual Assault Advocate in Illinois. An advocate's role is to provide nonjudgmental, confidential support to student survivors of gender-based violence. Advocates at Loyola are additionally trained to help students navigate options and services on campus.
How do I connect with an advocate?
The primary way to connect with an advocate is to call The Line at Loyola at 773-494-3810. The Line is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm and 24 hours on the weekend when classes are in session. During most breaks (summer, spring, fall and other University holidays) advocacy services are available Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm.
You are also welcome to reach out directly to Sam Hammett, Violence Prevention and Advocacy Specialist in the Wellness Center. Sam is the primary staff advocate on campus and can be reached at shammett@luc.edu or 773-508-3196. Sam is a confidential resource.
If The Line is closed and you would like to speak to someone right away, please call the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline at 888-293-2080.
Who can request advocacy services?
Any Loyola community member can call The Line. Survivors can call on their own, or someone can call on their behalf. Co-survivors (friends, family members, partners, loved ones) can also reach out for support.
Meet The Advocates
Sam Hammett
Staff Advocate, Violence Prevention and Advocacy Specialist
Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland
Major/Minors in College: I majored in Sociology and had minors in Women's Studies and Health Promotion. I have my Masters in Social Work from Loyola!
Why did you become an advocate?: I became passionate about advocacy in college and really appreciate that the advocates entire job is to support the survivor's agenda/needs. I wanted to focus on helping the person harmed and what they wanted.
Mira Krivoshey
Staff Advocate
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Major(s)/Minor(s): In College, majored in Psychology. I have my Masters in Public Health
Why did you become an advocate?: I witnessed severe victim blaming when I was younger and was enraged by the injustice of it all. I wanted survivors to know it was not their fault.
Fun fact: I was on the Price is Right!
Gabbi Smith:
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Majors and Minor: Double Major in History and Women and Gender Studies, Minor in Medieval Studies
Why did you join The Line?: I joined the line because after being involved in CHANGE (now Wellness Wolfpack!), I wanted to continue my education on the prevention of GBV and work to make a difference in our Loyola community!