Advocates
Organizations and individuals working on behalf of survivors
The Role of Advocacy
Survivors of professional sexual exploitation often face enormous barriers when they come forward — disbelief, institutional resistance, complex legal processes, and profound isolation. Advocates play a critical role in helping survivors navigate these barriers, access resources, and pursue accountability.
AdvocateWeb itself was founded as an advocacy organization — to give voice to survivors, to educate the public and the professions, and to push for the legal and institutional changes needed to protect those who seek professional help. The organizations listed here share that mission. Whether you are a survivor seeking support, a professional seeking to do better, or a community member who wants to help, these resources are a starting point.
National Survivor Advocacy Organizations
These organizations provide direct support to survivors, public education, and national-level advocacy for victims' rights.
RAINN — Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
Provides leadership in preventing and responding to sexual violence through collaboration, sharing and creating resources, and promoting research. A primary source of information and tools for advocates, educators, and others working in the field.
Stop It Now
Works to prevent child sexual abuse by mobilizing adults, families, and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. Provides resources for survivors, families, and communities.
Hotline: 1-888-773-8368
Darkness to Light
A nonprofit committed to ending child sexual abuse through education and advocacy. Their Stewards of Children program trains adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
National Center for Victims of Crime
A leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. Provides direct services, training, and advocacy to advance the rights and interests of crime victims.
Victim Rights Law Center
The first nonprofit law center in the United States dedicated to serving the legal needs of sexual assault victims. Provides free legal representation and works to advance victims' rights through policy advocacy.
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
One of the oldest victim assistance organizations in the country. Provides direct services to victims, training for victim service providers, and advocacy for victims' rights at the national level.
MaleSurvivor
Committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men. Provides resources, support groups, and advocacy specifically for male survivors.
Professional Accountability Advocates
These organizations focus specifically on exploitation within professional and institutional relationships — therapists, clergy, and other trusted figures.
Therapy Exploitation Link Line (TELL)
A nonprofit organization that provides support, information, and referrals to survivors of exploitation by mental health professionals. One of the few organizations focused specifically on therapist-client exploitation.
Phone: 617-964-8355
SNAP — Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
The largest, oldest, and most active support group for survivors of clergy abuse. Provides peer support, advocacy, and resources for survivors across all denominations.
FaithTrust Institute
A national, multifaith organization working to end sexual and domestic violence. Provides training, consultation, and educational resources to religious communities and professionals on preventing exploitation.
GRACE — Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment
Empowers the Christian community to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse. Conducts independent investigations of abuse within Christian institutions and advocates for survivors.
Legal Advocacy Organizations
These organizations advocate for survivors' legal rights, provide pro bono legal representation, and work to strengthen laws protecting victims of sexual exploitation.
National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI)
Promotes balance and fairness in the justice system through crime victim-centered legal advocacy, education, and resource sharing. Maintains a network of attorneys who provide pro bono representation to crime victims.
National Women's Law Center
Fights for gender justice in courts, public policy, and society. Advocates for survivors of sexual violence and harassment, including in professional and institutional settings.
Equal Rights Advocates
A national civil rights organization dedicated to protecting and expanding economic and educational access and opportunities for women and girls, including advocacy for survivors of workplace and professional exploitation.
How You Can Advocate
Advocacy does not require a title or an organization. Anyone who believes survivors, speaks up about exploitation, and works toward accountability is an advocate. Here are concrete ways to make a difference:
Support survivors in your community
The most immediate form of advocacy is believing and supporting survivors when they come forward. Listen without judgment, help them access resources, and stand with them through the reporting process.
Report known or suspected exploitation
If you know of a professional who is exploiting clients, you can file a complaint with their licensing board, report to law enforcement, or contact an advocacy organization for guidance. You do not need to be the victim to report.
Advocate for stronger laws
Many states still lack adequate laws criminalizing professional sexual exploitation. Contact your state legislators to support bills that criminalize therapist-client sexual contact, extend statutes of limitations, and strengthen licensing board accountability.
Support survivor organizations
Organizations like those listed on this page depend on donations and volunteers to continue their work. Financial support, volunteer time, and public awareness all make a difference.
Educate your professional community
If you work in a profession where exploitation can occur, advocate for strong ethics training, clear reporting procedures, and a culture that takes boundary violations seriously. Prevention starts within the professions themselves.
About AdvocateWeb's Advocacy Mission
AdvocateWeb was incorporated in 1998 and received 501(c)(3) status in 1999. Our mission is to provide information, resources, and hope to survivors of professional sexual exploitation — and to advocate for the legal and institutional changes needed to protect those who seek professional help.
If you are a survivor, a family member, a professional, or simply someone who cares about this issue, we welcome your involvement. Contact us to learn how you can support AdvocateWeb's work.
Explore more resources for survivors
AdvocateWeb maintains a comprehensive directory of resources across many categories. Find support specific to your situation.