Your donation helps provide trauma-informed counseling services to Survivors of sexual violence. These sessions focus on healing, empowerment, and supporting Survivors as they navigate their healing journey.

Counseling sessions are led by our professional counselors, who are certified in crisis counseling and specialize in sexual violence recovery. To maintain their certifications, our counselors complete mandatory training sessions throughout the year, ensuring they stay informed on the latest practices and approaches in trauma informed care.

Counseling offers a safe space for Survivors to process their experiences, learn healthy coping strategies, rebuild self-esteem, and gain support from compassionate professionals.

Advocates offer support by accompanying Survivors to all criminal court proceedings and restraining order hearings.

Court accompaniment is a form of support provided by an advocate to Survivors navigating the legal system, often during challenging and emotional times. Our advocates are trained professionals that assist Survivors of sexual violence in the following ways: Emotional Support: Advocates provide reassurance, empathy, and a calming presence, helping Survivors manage the stress and anxiety of court proceedings. Guidance and Information: They help explain legal processes, terminology, and what to expect during hearings, ensuring the Survivor feels prepared and informed. Physical Presence: By attending court hearings with the Survivor, advocates offer a sense of solidarity, ensuring the Survivor does not feel alone during the proceedings. Logistical Assistance: Advocates may assist with arranging transportation, navigating the courthouse, or organizing necessary documentation. This service is particularly important as it helps reduce barriers and empowers Survivors to engage with the legal process confidently and effectively.

While advocates do not offer legal advice or act as attorneys, they can communicate concerns or needs to the court staff or attorneys on behalf of the Survivor.

Our professional education trainings are designed to raise awareness about sexual violence and equip participants with prevention strategies to help stop assaults before they occur.

Sometimes, an assault is committed by someone the Survivor knows or even lives with. In these situations, our advocates immediately begin searching for emergency shelters to ensure the Survivor’s safety. Unfortunately, shelters are sometimes full or unavailable after hours. In these emergency cases, we do our best to provide a one-night stay at a safe hotel, which may include arranging transportation if law enforcement is unable to assist.

Locally, there are no shelters specifically for Survivors of sexual violence, as they do not always meet the requirements to enter a domestic violence shelter. This means Survivors in immediate danger often have limited options. Your contribution ensures they have access to safe accommodations and transportation when they need it most.

Depending on the specifics of the crime, law enforcement may order a forensic exam. This exam serves two key purposes: first, to ensure the Survivor is physically well and to provide any necessary medical treatment, and second, to collect evidence. Often, this evidence includes the clothing the Survivor was wearing at the time of the assault. Rather than sending a Survivor home in paper hospital scrubs, our advocates provide a comforting outfit for them to wear home, offering a small but meaningful gesture of care and support during a difficult time.