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Advocates

Statewide Partners Supporting Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Across South Dakota

Information About Advocates

Support, Safety, and Advocacy for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Advocates play a critical role in supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Advocates provide confidential, survivor-centered support to help people stay safe, understand their options, and navigate complex systems during and after crisis.

Advocacy services are free, voluntary, and available regardless of whether a survivor chooses to report to law enforcement.

What Advocates Do

Survivor-Centered Support, Every Step of the Way

Advocates work alongside survivors to provide emotional support, safety planning, information, and referrals based on each person’s needs, goals, and choices. Their role is not to tell survivors what to do, but to help them understand their options and support their decisions.

Advocates may assist with:

  • Crisis intervention and emotional support

  • Emergency shelter and safe housing options

  • Safety planning for individuals and families

  • Information about protective orders and legal options

  • Support during medical exams, including sexual assault forensic exams (SANE)

  • Accompaniment to court, law enforcement interviews, or other appointments

  • Help accessing resources such as counseling, transportation, or financial assistance

  • Advocacy within systems such as healthcare, schools, housing, and child welfare

All services are confidential and trauma-informed.

Finding Your Local Advocate

Help Is Available Where You Live

Local domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs are located throughout South Dakota and serve every county. You do not have to handle this alone.

Advocates are available 24/7 through local programs.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Find A Local Advocate

Advocates and Confidentiality

Your Story. Your Choices. Your Control.

Advocates are committed to protecting survivor privacy. Information shared with an advocate is confidential, with limited exceptions required by law. Survivors decide what information they share and what steps they want to take.

What Shelter Services May Include

Safe, Supportive Spaces for Healing

Some advocacy programs also operate emergency shelters that provide temporary, confidential housing for survivors and their children who are fleeing unsafe situations.

Shelter services may include:

  • Emergency housing in a confidential location

  • Basic needs support (food, clothing, hygiene items)

  • Advocacy and case management

  • Support groups and counseling referrals

  • Children’s advocacy and support services

Availability and services vary by location.

How Advocates Can Support Family Members and Loved Ones

Help for Those Supporting a Survivor

If someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking, it can be hard to know what to do or say. Advocates are available not only to support survivors, but also to help family members, friends, and loved ones who want to offer support in a safe and respectful way.

You do not have to have all the answers. Advocates can help you understand how to support someone without increasing risk or pressure.

How Advocates Help Loved Ones

  • Understand the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence

  • Recognize warning signs and safety concerns

  • Learn how to listen without judgment or blame

  • Avoid actions that could unintentionally increase danger

  • Respect the survivor’s choices and timeline

  • Support children who may be impacted by violence

  • Navigate your own feelings, stress, or fear while supporting someone else

Advocates can also help you identify resources for yourself and your loved one, even if the survivor is not ready to seek services or take next steps.

Find A Local Advocate

Supporting Someone Without Taking Control

Safety, Choice, and Respect Matter

While it’s natural to want to “fix” the situation, pressuring someone to leave, report, or take action can sometimes cause harm or increase risk. 

Advocates help loved ones focus on supportive, survivor-centered approaches, such as:

  • Listening and believing without pushing for details

  • Letting the survivor lead decisions about safety and next steps

  • Checking in regularly without demanding updates

  • Offering help in ways that respect boundaries

  • Encouraging support, not forcing it

Advocates can help you find language and approaches that communicate care without judgment or pressure.

Confidential Support for Loved Ones

You can contact an advocate even if the person you’re concerned about has not reached out for help. Conversations with advocates are confidential, and you do not need permission from the survivor to ask questions or seek guidance.

Advocates can help you think through next steps while keeping safety, privacy, and survivor autonomy at the center.

When to Reach Out

Consider contacting an advocate if you:

    • Are worried about someone’s safety

    • Feel unsure how to respond or help

    • Are supporting a survivor and need guidance

    • Want to learn more about options and resources

    • Need emotional support for yourself

    Find A Local Advocate

    You Are Not Alone

    Help is available. Support is possible. Whether you are seeking assistance, supporting someone else, or considering becoming an advocate, The Network and our member agencies are here to help.