Survivor Advocate | Center for Prevention and Outreach

Survivor Advocacy

For Survivors of Sexual and Relationship Violence

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

The Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist provides confidential support to Stony Brook students who experience any kind of sexual or relationship violence, including domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

The Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist 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 will 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 is someone who is a confidential resource for students who have experience sexual or relationship violence. The Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialistis responsible for providing comprehensive survivor-focused services, including on-call crisis support and emergency response to survivors. The Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist can assist you in receiving a SANE exam. The Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist can connect you to resources both on and off campus and explore other support services available on campus.

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.

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.

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 accompany me?

Survivors of sexual assault are strongly advised to have an exam completed by a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) as soon as possible, but no later than 5 days of the incident. There are resources to support you during this time. The Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist is available to coordinate supportive resource for you.

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 trainings?

Yes, the Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist can provide education surrounding these issues as well as her 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.

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