Support and Advocacy

Kelsey's role is to provide nonjudgmental, private support to student survivors of interpersonal violence. Kelsey will not release personally identifiable information without your permission. She is specially trained to help students navigate options and services on campus and in the community. 

Kelsey Colburn

Victim Advocate/Prevention Educator

Bultman Student Center Room 107B
115 East 12th Street
Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7802
colburnk@hope.edu

Additional locations for confidential support on campus include Counseling and Psychological Resources, Campus Ministries and the Health Center.

• On-Campus Support
• Off-Campus Support

WHAT DOES A VICTIM ADVOCATE DO?

Kelsey is available to respond to student survivors of interpersonal violence. She can provide private support over the phone or in person. Available support includes:

• Referrals to counseling and other supportive services on campus and in the community
• Education about medical options and procedures, including evidence collection “SANE kits”
• Information about and referrals to legal advocacy, including Personal Protection Orders
• Support and assistance in reporting an assault to Hope College Campus Safety, if desired
• Support and assistance in navigating Hope College Sexual Harassment and Assault Policy and Investigation, if desired
• Support and assistance in initiating academic, housing, employment or other accommodations
• Assistance for significant others and friends of victim/survivors of interpersonal violence

CONTACT INFORMATION

To set up a time to talk with Kelsey you can email her at colburnk@hope.edu or call her direct line, 616.395.7802. 

If it is after hours and you need to speak to someone right away you can contact:

• Hope College Campus Safety at 616.395.7770 and they will put you in contact with the counselor on duty
• The Hope College After Hours Crisis Service at 616.395.7945
• Center for Women in Transition 24-hour crisis line at 616.392.1970
• 911 for an emergency

MEETING WITH KELSEY

Any Hope College community member can call Kelsey for victim services or to ask questions about resources. For instance, victims/survivors can call on their own or someone can call on their behalf.

Kelsey provides private support. This means that talking with Kelsey does not start a formal judicial or criminal process, unless the individual wants to access those options.

STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP

We invite all Hope students who have experienced interpersonal violence (e.g., sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, childhood abuse) to join a support group facilitated by a counselor or Kelsey Colburn.

This group is mindful of the help and support survivors can provide for each other. We support each member, creating an empowering environment where students can learn new coping skills, share their story, be supported and work towards personal goals.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Kelsey at colburnk@hope.edu.