ADVOCACY

Safe Homes staff and volunteers play a vital role in advocating for those we serve as they navigate an array of systems and agencies to begin rebuilding their lives.  We offer expertise developed through years of experience dealing with domestic violence so that survivors can take full advantage of their options.  Advocacy is available in the following areas:

Legal Advocacy

The legal system can be an overwhelming experience for a trauma victim.  Advocates provide information, accompaniment and emotional support; they accompany clients to Family and Criminal courts as well as police departments.

Safe Homes can also offer legal services to clients or provide referrals to attorneys we have worked with in the past.  For questions about legal services, accompaniment or a protective order for yourself, or if you are concerned about your safety, please call our 24-Hour hotline at 1-888-503-4673.

Social Services Advocacy

Our Advocates are trained to assist clients in accessing social services benefits and can accompany them to appointments and interviews.  The Domestic Violence Liaison with the Department of Social Services can screen each client for domestic violence and grant appropriate waivers to facilitate services.

Sexual Assault Advocacy

Understanding that 83% of women-victims of domestic violence are also victims of sexual assault,  Safe Homes' advocates are especially trained in this subject.  They provide emotional support and make appropriate referrals.

Resource Advocacy

Economic abuse is often cited as a reason women stay in abusive relationships.  It is important to establish economic stability in order to create safety and access to services.  We work to provide basic necessities such as food, medicine, shoes, linens, diapers, hygiene products, beds and school supplies, which are very often beyond the reach of displaced families.  We are able to provide many of these items through donations, drives and gifts from generous businesses, community and faith-based groups, and individuals.  Limited financial assistance is also available through the "Save Yourself Program".  When we can not provide for a client's specific needs, we attempt to connect survivors with programs and agencies that can better assist them.

Education Advocacy

Whether your children are now residing in shelter and you would like them to remain in their current school, or you're having problems getting educational or health records transferred to a new school our advocates can assist you.

Medical Advocacy

Advocates can accompany clients to various doctors appointments, emergency rooms and offer to sit with a client as they discuss pertinent information with their physicians.