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Protective Shelter
Friends of the Family offers emergency shelter for survivors of relationship violence
and sexual assault. Eligible clients are admitted to the shelter following a telephone
screening. The 26-bed residential facility offers numerous services that encourage
safety planning, education regarding relationship violence, rehabilitation, personal
growth,and independent living skills in an abuse-free environment. There is no
prescribed length of stay; however, most clients stay an average of 30 days. Clients
may be eligible for extensions on a case-by-case basis until they are ready to exit the shelter.
The following services are offered to shelter residents:
- Case Management: The client works with a social worker to determine
eligibility for social services and to secure services (i.e.: housing assistance,
referral, transportation, and healthcare services). The social worker also
assists clients in setting goals that will help them move forward in their
transition process. Case management also involves referrals and
networking with other social service agencies.
- Legal Advocacy: Some examples of legal services may include assisting
clients in obtaining protective orders, obtaining legal representation for
divorce or landlord/tenant disputes, coordination of victims of crime
compensation services, and liaison between victim and police department.
- Transitional Housing - for those who qualify.
Steps to take after an abusive incident:
- Call the police immediately.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries.
- Call Friends of the Family 24-hour crisis line if shelter is needed.
- It is not too late to press charges even if time has passed since
the incident. Call the police who will take information regarding
the assault. It is important that the police have a way to contact
the victim should they have questions during and following the
investigation of the assault.
- It is an option for the victim to apply for a permanent Protective
Order with the District Attorney's Office. This would be in effect
for up to 2 years and orders the same restriction as the Emergency
Protective Order. Violation of a Protective Order is a crime and the
offender can be arrested for breaking the order.
- Once a suspect has been arrested, ask the police for an Emergency
Protective Order which is good for 61 days and prevents the
offender from harassing the victim and orders the offender 500 feet
away from the victim's home, work, or school.
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