Programs that provide support for battered women, sexual assault survivors and other victims of crimes by having a staff member go with them when they require a medical examination to gather evidence or need to visit a police station to file a complaint or appear in court to give evidence.

Programs that intercede on behalf of individuals to help them establish eligibility for or obtain needed services when they have been denied benefits or services for which they are eligible, when they need assistance to communicate their needs to a service provider or to otherwise effectively represent themselves, or when they have a complaint about a service. Individual advocacy attempts to reach equitable settlements without resorting to litigation and seeks to meet individual needs without attempting to change social institutions.

Programs that provide assistance for people who need to obtain legal protection to prevent harassment, stalking or violence in situations involving child abuse, domestic abuse, elder abuse, abduction, sexual assault, stalking or other forms of harassment or the threat of workplace violence. Depending on the situation, a person may have more than one type of order. Restraining and personal protection order laws vary from one jurisdiction to another but all establish who can file for an order, what protection or relief a person can get from such an order and how the order will be enforced. The court will order the adverse party to refrain from certain actions and/or require compliance with certain provisions. Failure to comply is a violation of the order which can result in the arrest and prosecution of the offender. Violations in some jurisdictions may also constitute criminal or civil contempt of court.

Programs that provide specialized medical care for adults and/or children who have been sexually assaulted. Treatment includes an examination for internal and external injuries, collection of physical evidence of the assault, and preventive care and/or treatment in case of venereal disease or pregnancy. Treatment is generally confidential and physical evidence of the assault is not shared with investigating authorities without the consent of the patient. Services are often provided by emergency room staff at a hospital or other health care facility and may include other crisis advocates/representatives.

Programs that provide immediate assistance for people who are survivors of rape, incest and other forms of sexual assault which may include steps to ensure the person's safety, short-term emotional support, information regarding the person's rights and alternatives, and referrals and/or accompaniment to resources for medical, legal and emotional needs, advocacy and other related services. Hotline staff are generally available via telephone, email, chat and/or text.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

Adults who, as adults or children, have survived an actual or attempted act of rape, forced oral copulation, sodomy or other sexual assault or abuse which was perpetrated by an individual other than their spouse or, in the case of a child, by an individual other than a parent or other extended family member whom the child trusted.

Individuals younger than age 18 who have been sexually assaulted by a family member, acquaintance or stranger or who have been subjected to sexual exploitation in the form of child prostitution or child pornography.