Navigating the legal system can be confusing and overwhelming. Survivors often face difficult questions about their rights, safety, and next steps. At SARC, our advocates provide emotional support, explain legal processes, and connect survivors to trusted legal partners who can help.

What is Legal Advocacy?

Legal advocacy at SARC means having a trained advocate by your side as you move through criminal or civil legal systems. Advocates are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or represent survivors in court, but they can:

• Support survivors in obtaining protective orders.
• Help address legal issues connected to housing, employment, education, and more.
• Connect survivors with local partners for legal representation and advice.

Our Role

The role of a SARC legal advocate is to support survivors, respect their choices, and help them feel informed and empowered—not to provide legal advice. Survivors remain in control of their decisions every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of legal support can SARC help with?
SARC advocates can connect survivors with legal partners for issues such as protective orders, housing concerns, workplace or school accommodations, and other civil matters. We cannot provide support for criminal defense, torts, or estate law. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, please reach out to our 24-Hour Support & Resource Line.

Does SARC have attorneys on staff?
No. SARC does not employ attorneys, and our advocates cannot provide legal advice or represent survivors in court. What we can do is connect survivors with attorneys who may be able to offer representation, sometimes pro bono (free of charge).

What legal partners does SARC work with?
SARC partners with local legal aid and advocacy organizations to make sure survivors have access to the support they need. Our advocates can provide referrals and help with warm connections to these partners.

Can SARC accompany me to court?
Yes. Advocates can provide emotional support and information during court appearances, hearings, or other legal appointments. To request accompaniment, please contact us through our Support & Resource Line or business line during weekday hours. We recommend reaching out as early as possible so we can schedule an advocate to be present.

Can SARC support me if I want to report to police?
Yes. If a survivor chooses to report the assault to law enforcement, a SARC advocate can accompany them to provide emotional support, explain what to expect, and help ensure their rights and choices are respected throughout the process. Survivors remain in control at all times, and our role is to support—not pressure—any decision about reporting. To request accompaniment, please contact us through our Support & Resource Line or business line during weekday hours. We recommend reaching out as early as possible so we can schedule an advocate to be present.

Will SARC assist me to obtain a protection order?
Yes. Advocates can provide support and information about various types of protection orders and help you determine which may be most appropriate for your situation. To request assistance with obtaining a protection order, please contact us through our Business Line at (503) 626-9100, option 4 during weekday hours to schedule a time to meet with an advocate. We generally assist survivors with protection orders at the Family Justice Center of Washington County, located at 735 SW 158th Ave, Ste. 100, Beaverton, OR 97006 on Mondays, with court appearances on Tuesdays, but please call ahead to make an appointment with us.