You are here

Women's Center

Advocacy + Support Services

Collage of three photos with women holding up different signs.

Advocacy & Support Services

The Women's Resources Center (WRC) is a designated confidential resource related to sexual assault/rape, sexual harassment, stalking and abuse within a relationship (sometimes called dating or domestic violence). That means when we talk with students, staff, and faculty who have experienced harm, we make sure you get what you need and on your terms! There are several Confidential Advisors at the WRC who can provide you - or someone looking to support you - with support and advocacy services.

Who can make an appointment?

Students, faculty, and staff survivors of all gender identities are welcome and able to receive advocacy and support services at the WRC, as are their support person(s). 

Will appointments be confidential?

Confidential Advisors are trained in helping folx navigate options around sexual misconduct concerns. Confidential Advisors are not required to initiate a sexual misconduct report to the University or to the police. For more information on Confidential Advisors visit our FAQ page.

How to Access Advocacy (Support Services) with a Confidential Advisor

Currently, services are available by appointment, referral, or walk-in. Appointments can be made over the phone, or by email. The WRC utilizes a survivor-centered (what you need) approach to our work where empowerment is central.  

In-person services:

  • Can be accessed on weekdays from 9:00am - 5:00pm 
  • Can be accessed on a walk-in basis or by making an appointment.
  • Follow the University's guidance on masks and any testing requirements

To schedule a free appointment over the phone: 

Call us at (217) 333-3137 (select extension 2 when prompted) and leave the following limited pieces of information (voicemails are not confidential and we want to keep you as safe as possible):

  • Your first name;
  • A safe phone number where we can reach you; and
  • Whether it is safe for us to leave you a voicemail when calling you back.

You will receive a follow up phone call from a confidential advisor within one business day.

To schedule a free appointment over email:

  • Send an e-mail to the wrcadvocacy@illinois.edu requesting an appointment with a Confidential Advisor.
  • In the e-mail, you will only need to mention that you want an appointment. We ask that no other details are shared, as email is not a confidential form of communication. 

A Confidential Advisor will follow up by e-mail within one business day to schedule an appointment. For free, after hours (and 24/7) confidential support call the RACES Hotline (for sexual assault issues) at (217) 384-4444 or the Domestic Violence Hotline at (877) 384-4390. Additional support services and reporting options can be found at the University of Illinois We Care website.