Schedule an Appointment
Kate Arbaugh – Survivor Advocate
Lauren Allen – Acting Respondent Advocate, Senior Director of the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center
Contact Us
advocacy@umbc.edu
As part of the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center, the Advocacy Program provides supportive services that advances our commitment to support, education, and systemic change.
Mission Statement
Providing comprehensive support and services that are trauma-informed to all parties affected by sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and interpersonal violence in order to build an environment on campus that is safe and equitable for all individuals experiencing these issues.
Advocacy Services
Survivor Advocacy is designed to support students who have experienced gender-based harm, including sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment, whether it occurred recently or prior to attending UMBC.
The program offers a confidential, trauma-informed space that prioritizes healing, empowerment, and personal agency. Students can seek advocacy services whether they are looking for ongoing support, want to better understand their rights, or simply need a space to talk through the option of making a report. Advocates also provide guidance and accompaniment throughout the Title IX process. Helping survivors understand their rights, navigate available options, and make informed decisions at every step. Through individualized support and collaborative dialogue, survivors are encouraged to explore their needs and move forward in ways that feel safe and affirming.
Our approach is survivor-centered and grounded in empathy, aiming to foster restoration, resilience, and long-term well-being.
Respondent Advocacy is designed to support students who are navigating the Title IX process as respondents in cases involving gender-based harm.
The program offers a compassionate, trauma-informed space that prioritizes education, emotional support, and personal growth. Through structured sessions and supportive dialogue, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, deepen their understanding of community values, and engage in meaningful self-awareness and behavioral development.
Our approach is non-punitive and rooted in empathy, aiming to foster insight and healing.
The Advocacy Program is a confidential resource, meaning we do not share information with ECR/Title IX without the student/ staff/ faculty consent.