Hotline and Shelter
The 24-hour hotline rings in the offices and is answered by an advocate during office hours. During nights and weekends, trained volunteers staff the hotline, and are backed up by rotating staff. In a crisis the volunteer will contact the staff person on duty. The staff person makes arrangements for the victim to enter shelter, assists with safety planning or provides other services. The client comes to the outreach office or the staff meets the victim at the police station. The client is then escorted to shelter. At that time, the victim completes the initial intake assessment and is oriented to the shelter facility. Staff is available to shelter residents at any time. When the office is closed, hotline calls are routed to staff or to trained hotline volunteers. All staff persons carry pagers or personal cell phones at all times for immediate location. Through the use of personal cell phones, staff persons are readily available in an emergency situation. Our first priority is the immediate physical safety of victims.
Click here for more information about calling our hotline
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Shelter
Safe, temporary shelter is available for victims of domestic violence within our service area. If a client is not safe in this area, WAS will refer that client to shelter in another area.
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Counseling and Court Advocacy
Within 24 hours of entering the shelter, a counseling session is arranged between the client and an assigned Primary Advocate. The purpose of this session is to develop a safety plan, to discuss options and what the client hopes to achieve. Children participate in safety plan development with their parent, assisted by the Youth Program Coordinator. If the client wishes to file for an Order of Protection, the Court Advocate assists in obtaining the Order and/or assault warrants (where appropriate) to ensure safety. If a request for Order of Protection is filed and if the victim has visible injuries, she may ask the court advocate or other staff to photograph those injuries for use in court. Return to top
Support Group
Support groups are vital to victims in learning about domestic violence. By understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, they learn not to blame themselves, and to make informed decisions regarding the family’s status and situation. Support groups are available to clients in three of the four counties we serve and are facilitated by WAS staff. The Shelter Coordinator facilitates in-house support groups by necessity and upon request. Return to top
Referrals
All available staff persons provide information and referrals to assist victims to access available community resources. Staff provides transportation to agencies when clients have no other means. Clients look for housing, jobs, education, or job training, financial aid, etc. as soon as they are physically able. By linking with appropriate resources, victims gain independence and skills for success. Return to top
911 Cell Phones
Donated cell phones are distributed to WAS clients with the hope of providing them a means of calling for help in an emergency. Many women who leave shelter and move into new living arrangements cannot afford telephone service. WAS service area is rural and many homes are isolated. Having a cell phone to call for emergency assistance can provide some feeling of security. Through donations, we are able to provide clothing for women and children, household supplies, food, appliances and some furniture to clients moving into new living arrangements. Return to top
Client confidentiality is considered during all facets of service delivery, beginning with the first contact and continuing after departure. Staff members and volunteers receive initial and annual training that focuses in part on confidentiality. Clients are informed up front that all their information is kept confidential and they are provided information on technology safety and ways to keep their personal information safe. Further, clients are required to keep information they learn about other clients confidential. Each situation is different, and during regular case management and staff meetings, staff members discuss the best way to provide for the needs of each client while preserving their privacy. Return to top
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