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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! 

Fun Fact: Gabbi loves to watch cheesy Rom-coms and read books in her free time!
Amal Naqvi: 
Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Major: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Why did you join The Line?: I became an advocate on The Line to provide support and empowerment to survivors, motivated by my deep commitment to assisting others during their most critical moments. This role reflects my dedication to accessible healthcare and leadership, enabling me to make a meaningful and tangible impact.
Fun Fact: Amal LOVES exploring new coffee shops! 
Bella Drewes
Hometown: Savage, Minnesota
Majors: Political Science  and Philosophy
Why did you join The Line?: I joined the line because I am passionate about working with survivors and providing prevention education to students.
Fun Fact: I love being crafty! Sewing, crocheting, photography, and mediocre embroidery are my favorites!
Angel Wat: 
Hometown: Huntly, Illinois
Majors: Psychology and Women and Gender Studies
Why did you join The Line?:  The Line allows me to help/support people in a way I would want to continue doing in the future.
Fun fact: I enjoy crafting and exploring something new!
Cate Walker: 
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee 
Majors and Minor: Majors in Criminology and Psychology with a minor in WSGS
Why did you join The Line?:  I joined the Line because I wanted to educate myself on the best ways to support and advocate for survivors of any gender-based violence. 
Fun fact:  When I'm not working on the Line or at school I enjoy going on runs, journaling by the lake, or getting coffee with friends! 
 
Mia Kritzer:
Hometown: Portland, Oregon 
Major and Minor: Major in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in Psychology of Crime and Justice
Why did you join The Line?:  joined The Line to be a part of breaking the stigma that still exists around seeking help after sexual violence. Student survivors deserve trauma-informed support from advocates who are invested in their safety and wellbeing.
Fun Fact: When I'm not on The Line, you'll find me in the Halas weight room!