The Need & Benefit of Services
Victims of family violence and sexual assault may benefit from
accessing services. Their personal
situations and needs may vary. Some are
at the early stages of simply acknowledging that they were or still are victims
of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Others may not be emotionally prepared to make any major decisions or
address the issues they are facing.
Despite this, their initial steps to contact the program through the
hotline, shelter, or office are significant.
Their experience and contact with each person associated with the Center
can impact decisions to seek assistance at a later date. Others are preparing themselves for major life
changes, such as a decision to end an abusive relationship or counseling focused
on healing from the effects of a recent or past victimization.
Needs:
Individual situations and needs may vary based on a many factors, such as age, race/culture, gender, income, disability, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, etc. These needs may be identified and later addressed as staff/volunteers assist victims in developing their Individualized Plan of Service. However, there are some basic needs that staff/volunteers can strive to meet from the very first encounter with any victim.
Needs:
Individual situations and needs may vary based on a many factors, such as age, race/culture, gender, income, disability, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, etc. These needs may be identified and later addressed as staff/volunteers assist victims in developing their Individualized Plan of Service. However, there are some basic needs that staff/volunteers can strive to meet from the very first encounter with any victim.
- Victims seeking services to know they are believed, respected, and safe to discuss the most private and personal aspects of their lives.
- Victims need to be informed of the scope and limits of confidentiality
- Victims should be assisted in understanding staff/volunteers will not make decisions for them. Victims are in control of and responsible for making their own decisions based on what they identify is best for themselves and/or their children.
Benefits:
Regardless of whether victims choose to seek shelter (residential) or nonresidential services to address the issues they are facing, below are just a few examples of how adult or child victims may benefit through the types of services available to them directly or by referral.
2. understanding and support
3. information
4. education
5. referrals
6. resource assistance
7. individual service plan
Regardless of whether victims choose to seek shelter (residential) or nonresidential services to address the issues they are facing, below are just a few examples of how adult or child victims may benefit through the types of services available to them directly or by referral.
- 24-hour-a-day shelter;
- a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis call hotline available 24-hours a day;
- emergency medical care;
- intervention services, including:
2. understanding and support
3. information
4. education
5. referrals
6. resource assistance
7. individual service plan
- emergency transportation
- legal assistance in the criminal and civil justice systems, including:
2. information about legal rights and options;
3. support and accompaniment pursuing legal options
- information about educational arrangements for children;
- information about training for and seeking employment; and
- a referral system to community resources.