The Abuse Network, Inc.
The Abuse Network, Inc. provides crisis intervention and support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence. The agency operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that help is available whenever it is needed.
Services are designed to educate and empower victims/survivors and their significant others by providing information about the violence they are experiencing, available options, and resources for moving forward. Through counseling, education, advocacy, and support, The Abuse Network helps individuals heal from trauma, prepare for the challenges they may encounter throughout their journey, work toward resolution, and experience greater safety in their daily lives.
The agency's work also extends into the community through education, awareness, prevention, and outreach efforts focused on reducing violence and promoting healthier, safer communities.
Advocacy
Advocates provide information, support, and a realistic understanding of procedures, timelines, and possible outcomes to help victims/survivors navigate unfamiliar systems. Advocacy services include:
- Serving as a liaison between victims/survivors and various systems
- Supporting victims/survivors in making informed decisions
- Informing victims/survivors of their rights
- Providing information to help victims/survivors prepare for the next steps
- Accompanying victims/survivors as they navigate legal, medical, and other systems
- Connecting victims/survivors with additional resources and services
- Documenting services in accordance with program requirements
- Seeking additional assistance and support when needed
Child Advocacy
The Abuse Network provides advocacy and support services to children and teens ages 4–18 who have been affected by domestic violence and/or sexual violence.
Legal Advocacy
Legal advocacy provides one-on-one support between a trained program advocate and an eligible adult victim/survivor, or a third party acting on their behalf. Advocates explain the criminal justice, civil court, and legal systems, as well as the victim's/survivor's rights and available options. This may include information regarding Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, divorce, custody, and other legal matters.
Legal advocates may also accompany victims/survivors to court, police stations, legal services, and other appointments. The goal is to provide information, support, and advocacy while helping the victim/survivor make decisions based on their individual needs and service plan.
Medical Advocacy
At the request of a victim/survivor, police or hospital emergency room personnel may contact an advocate to provide support. The advocate explains what to expect during the medical process, why certain procedures may be necessary, and what options are available.
The advocate remains with the victim/survivor while they wait to be seen by medical personnel and asks whether they would like the advocate present during the examination. Following the exam, the advocate provides information, support, and a realistic understanding of possible next steps. The advocate may also follow up with the victim/survivor to provide continued support and ensure they are doing well.
Accompaniment
The Abuse Network provides accompaniment and advocacy to victims/survivors throughout various systems and processes, including:
- Legal Accompaniment: Support and advocacy during related hearings, court proceedings, and trials.
- Medical Accompaniment: Support and advocacy during medical examinations, testing, or treatment at a hospital emergency room or physician's office.
- Police Accompaniment: Emotional support and advocacy when a victim/survivor chooses to report a crime.
Empowerment & Options Counseling
The Abuse Network offers supportive counseling services to victims/survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. Empowerment and options counseling is a wellness-based, non-psychotherapeutic approach that promotes well-being and provides individuals with the information and support they need to make informed decisions, enhance their safety, and regain independence and autonomy.
Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter
(Hollister House)
The Abuse Network provides emergency shelter to individuals and families who need immediate safety while fleeing domestic violence. Hollister House offers a temporary, secure place to seek respite from violence and abuse. Shelter guests also have access to the other support services provided by The Abuse Network.
Support Groups
Sexual Assault
The confidential sexual assault support group provides a safe environment where participants can be heard, understood, and supported. The group encourages the development of empowerment skills and helps participants recognize that they are not alone while working through issues related to their experiences.
Domestic Violence
The confidential domestic violence support group provides a supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, develop empowerment skills, and work through issues related to domestic violence. The group helps participants recognize that they are not alone and supports them as they work toward greater safety and independence.
Children
Individual and group counseling is available for children and teens ages 4–18. Structured activities help children and teens identify and express their feelings, build self-esteem, develop healthy coping skills, and work through issues related to their experiences.
Information & Referral
The Abuse Network provides victims/survivors with information, educational materials, and resources to help them make informed decisions that are in their best interest. The agency also provides referrals to outside organizations and services that may assist with safety, well-being, healing, and regaining independence.
Community Education, Training & Involvement
The Abuse Network provides awareness programs and educational training to schools, workplaces, service agencies, community organizations, churches, civic groups, youth organizations, and other community partners.
Presentations are tailored to the needs and interests of each audience and may address topics including:
- The dynamics of domestic violence
- Healthy relationships
- Crime and violence prevention
- Recognizing the signs of abuse
- Community resources and support
A major focus of the agency's prevention efforts is primary prevention education, which seeks to promote healthy relationships and help change cultural attitudes and norms surrounding violence.
The Abuse Network also participates in local community events to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence and other forms of interpersonal violence by providing educational resources, information, and promotional materials to community members.
| 
