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Under the impact of crime or trauma, options may seem very limited. "I have to drop out of school," "There's no way out," "I'm ruined" are examples of the kinds of shut-down thinking which can happen to even the most resourceful person under these circumstances.

One of the advocate's primary tasks is to explore carefully and fully with the victim all the options available to him or her. With as full a range of options as possible, most clients are able to make informed choices which coincide with their interests.

Examples of such choices follow:

1) Whether or not to report the crime to law enforcement
2) Whether or not to seek medical treatment and where
3) Whether or not to involve family and/or friends in the situation
4) Whether or not to seek shelter or safe housing
5) Whether or not to file for crimes compensation
6) Whether or not to file for an injunction for protection

Looking at options may take only a few minutes or it could take several days or weeks, depending on the individual situation. The important fact to remember is that there are usually many more options than the individual can enumerate when he or she is in crisis. Building a bank of options is one of advocacy's critical aspects. 

But choosing the options that feel right is always the client's prerogative. 

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