An advocate is a supporter, an influencer, an action-taker and ultimately a contributor to change. Brave Step’s mission is to empower those that are impacted by sexual violence and advocacy is a crucial and essential part of this effort. Supporting a survivor directly might look like active and non-judgmental listening as they share their story, connecting them to resources or empowering their autonomy in their healing process. Broader advocacy efforts can include volunteering to help raise awareness, educating yourself and others, or financial donations. Rather direct or broader advocacy, the common factor is action, and the shared outcome is the difference these efforts can make. 

The cost of advocacy will be a bit of time and effort, and the impact of advocacy may never adequately be measured, but the difference that advocacy can make in the life of a survivor is priceless.