What can a domestic violenceprogram do for me?
Local domestic violence programs are a vital resource, providing free and confidential assistance to battered women and their children. They provide emergency safety services such as shelter and 24-hour crisis hotlines. But you don’t have to stay in a shelter to get help from a domestic violence program. Most programs provide a full range of non-shelter related services to battered women as well.
Domestic violence program advocates have accurate information about domestic violence and are experienced in providing assistance to battered women. They understand the criminal justice, family court, and social services systems, and are familiar with other community resources that might be useful to you.
In addition to giving you good information, advocates can often accompany you to court, to the police station, or to social services and provide you with practical and emotional support. Getting help from someone who has experience working with victims of domestic violence and who knows how to work with the different systems can make things a lot easier for you.
Available Services
There are domestic violence services available in every county in the state (see New York State Domestic Violence Programs list). Specific services may vary from one community to another, but most programs offer the following core services.
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Shelters/Safe Homes
These offer a safe place for you to stay if you are in need of emergency housing. While there, you can learn about available options and develop a safety plan. If you have children, they can stay there, too. The location of shelter is kept secret for the protection of the women and children who stay there.
24-Hour Emergency Hotline
Advocates are available 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention and emotional support, advocacy, information, admission into shelter, and referrals if the shelter is full.
Advocacy and Other Support Services
Most programs offer some or all of the following services for women whether they are in a shelter or not: help in obtaining medical care, legal protection, housing, furniture, clothing, training and educational services, employment, social services, emergency transportation, and translation services.
Supportive Counseling
One-on-one counseling provides information, emotional support and help in identifying options and building solutions.
Battered Women’s Support Groups
These groups provide you with an opportunity to be with other women who have been abused and with whom you may have a lot in common. Support groups have helped many women feel less isolated, and are a good source of information on develop-ing safety plans. They can be a very safe place to talk about whatever is on your mind.
Services for Children
Counseling and support are often available to help children understand what is happening and to give them a chance to talk about their feelings.
including the right to make your own decisions.
You have a right to be believed by those you tell about the violence. You have a right to not be blamed for your partner’s violence. You are the expert about your own situation and you have the right to make your own decisions about what to do or not to do. You also have a right to be supported in whatever decisions you make.
Domestic violence advocates are often the best people to turn to in order to have your rights upheld. They’re there to help you identify options and evaluate the risks and benefits of those options, not to pressure you to do something you’re not ready or able to do. They’re there to listen, to inform, and to support you. With a domestic violence advocate, you can expect to be treated with respect for your right to self-determination. Only you can decide what’s best for you.
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