Every call to the hotline gets immediate attention from the staff and volunteers at Independence House. The first step is often arranging for clients' immediate safety, shelter and medical attention - but that is simply a beginning. Services and resources that deal with longer term goals are readily available and determined on an individual basis. Independence House is committed to helping clients regain their lives and live them to their fullest potential. Services include:

Crisis Intervention & 24/7 Hotline

Staffed 24/7, every day of the year, the hotline provides immediate response to any physical or emotional crisis arising from abuse or sexual assault. Advocates can arrange for emergence shelter, medical and child care, legal advocacy, transportation, food and clothing. Individuals may also meet with Advocates at any time to discuss their circumstances and the available options.

Emergency Shelter & Support

Emergency shelter is available through a coordinated safe home network. All locations are free and confidential and necessary personal items can be provided. Clients and their families do not stay at Independence House. Services are also available to help recover from the episode that caused the safe home stay and to develop long-range safety plans by accessing a myriad or resources.

Court Advocacy

Advocates assist with Abuse Prevention Orders (commonly called restraining orders) and other court procedures. They educate clients about criminal prosecution, legal rights and court procedures so that informed decisions can be made and appropriate actions taken.

Rape/Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Crisis Program

Advocates are on hand immediately after an assault by meeting survivors at the hospital or police station. Independence House advocates offer critical emotional support and help individuals to understand medical and legal procedures. This program includes individual and support group counseling for rape, incest and domestic violence survivors. Services are available for adult, adolescent and child victims, as well as for family members, partners and friends.

Program Director, Priscilla Adams, ihrape@indhouse.net

Counseling & Support Groups

Short-term crisis counseling is offered. Appointments are not necessary and there is no waiting list. Support groups are specialized and include groups for battered women, incest and rape survivors. Individuals are encouraged to participate in support groups to end isolation and regain strength during transitional times. These groups are a way to learn from others and rebuild self-esteem to achieve long-term goals.

If mental health or substance abuse issues are impacting an individual's ability to be safe, referrals will be made for more appropriate resources. In any referral, the individual's decisions are respected.

Transitional Living Services & Community Workshops

Independence House helps re-establish lives that are without fear and violence with a philosophy of self-empowerment and self-help. We share the knowledge and skills needed to regain self-confidence, make informed decisions and initiate changes. We provide information about the access to resources and teach how to use the courts, welfare, social services, housing and other community agencies that help re-gain independence. Individual strengths and abilities are developed with the on-going support of advocates, groups, child care services and education.

A public workshop series offers training in areas such as family life skills, parenting, assertiveness training, job search skills and management.

Information & Referrals

Independence House provides information and referrals through the 24 hour hotline, support groups, advocacy services and bulletin boards. Referrals are commonly made for community resources and programs emphasizing housing, welfare and legal assistance. Other resources are available, including medical care, substance abuse programs, translation services, child care and religious organizations.

Community Education & Outreach

Independence House is committed to providing education and outreach to the community through special events, media campaigns, educational materials and speaker programs. Activities include public speaking, in-service training, curriculum development and interagency networking and collaboration.

For example, presentations on identifying violence and making referrals are offered to court, legal and hospital staffs, churches, civic groups and other helping organizations. Independence House works with the police to train officers on the abuse and violence cycles and the options and resources available. We work with schools to prevent abuse by educating students on dating violence, sexual assault and harassment. We can create presentations for the specific needs of interested organizations, groups and associations.

Program Director, Beverly Costa-Ciavola, ihoutreach@indhouse.net