Safe Space Services

Court Advocacy 

Safe Space, Inc. court advocates provide assistance in filing for protective orders, information about the court system and court process, and emotional support to victims of domestic violence as they pursue civil and criminal remedies to domestic violence.

Shelter

Safe Space, Inc. operates a 24-hour emergency shelter for battered women and their children. Victims of domestic violence are permitted to use the shelter facility for up to 90 days. Food and hygiene items are provided by the agency. During the 90-day period staff work with residents to develop goals for independence so that returning to an abusive environment is not their only option. Staff are also available to provide information, support, and referrals related to employment, transportation, housing, mental health, healthcare, day care, and other related issued. The shelter works to maintain an open door policy to victims who may also be chemically dependent or mentally ill. Safe Space, Inc. also accommodates older male children unless it is inappropriate for them to reside in a predominately female communal living environment.

Interagency Advocacy

Safe Space, Inc. provides victims of domestic violence with assistance in seeking services from other local service providers. Often, this may include an advocate having direct contact with a social worker, mental health clinician, doctor, employer, teacher, or other professionals in the community with permission from the client.

Telephone Support

Many victims of domestic violence receive services from Safe Space, Inc. via the telephone. These services may include general information and support on domestic violence and related issues, as well as information about services available in the community, Safe Space, Inc. advocates also respond to crises on the phone and assist by helping victims to respond to the immediate situation, develop a safety plan, and find immediate safety. Crisis telephone support is available 24-hours per day through a toll-free hotline. (1-800-620-6120)

Weekly Support Groups

Support groups are available for female victims of domestic violence and child witnesses of domestic violence. The adult support group assists victims by providing domestic violence education, information about local services, and an opportunity to discuss and process the abuse they have experienced. The children's group provides age-appropriate information about domestic violence while also offering self-esteem building activities and opportunities for children to share their feelings about the abuse they have experienced or witnessed at home.

Children's Advocacy 

Safe Space, Inc. now provides supportive services to children who have witnessed domestic violence and/or are experiencing dating violence. These services include individual counseling and safety planning, self esteem-building activities, and group support. The Children's Advocate meets with children and teens in their schools and through our Advocacy Office. Hispanic Outreach Project We are now able to provide more comprehensive services to Latino victims of domestic violence through the services of bi-lingual advocates. Through advocacy, translation, individual and group counseling, and general support, we are working to break through the language and cultural barriers that keep Spanish-speaking women bound to abusive situations. 

Financial Assistance

Funds are periodically available to help victims fun expenses related to escaping abuse and/or remaining safe while experiencing abuse. Funds may be used for rental assistance, utility hook-ups, medical needs, food, clothing, medication, or transportation to a safe setting. Due to limited funds, efforts are generally made to exhaust all community resources. Therefore, advocates may assist clients in identifying various resources for financial assistance through other local agencies, churches, and civic groups.

Referrals

We identify that securing necessary resources in a small, rural community can be difficult. Safe Space staff identify and learn about various resources available to assist clients with a broad spectrum of needs. These services and resources may be located in Franklin county or surrounding communities.

Teen DRAMA & Bullying Presentations

The Safe Space, Inc. Community Educator and Children's Advocate work cooperatively to facilitate the Teen DRAMA (Drawing Response and Minimizing Abuse), a peer education program focused on teen dating violence. The purpose of the Teen DRAMA is to increase awareness of dating and domestic violence, and provide information on service availability to victims of dating violence. The Teen DRAMA program has included collaborative efforts by local school officials, teen high school students, youth probation personnel, and various other professionals serving youth.   Bullying presentations are given to local 3rd, 4th and 5th grade elementary school students to help reduce conflicts between young children and give them information on how to deal with bullying situations.

Community Education 

Safe Space, Inc. offers educational activities, events, and presentations focused on increasing community awareness of domestic violence. Presentations are provided to local churches, civic groups and community members, while professional training are made available to various service providers including law enforcement and human service workers. Other community education efforts include special presentations to elementary, middle, and high school students on domestic and dating violence, including information on school bullying especially as it relates to domestic violence. Safe Space, Inc. also offers public events during October which is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This agency also maintains a local clothesline project, a portable display of t-shirts made by victims and survivors carrying their messages about current and past abuse.

Sexual Assault Prevention

This outreach program focuses on increasing community awareness and educating students as to the risk factors, seriousness, danger, and prevention of sexual assault abuse.  Safe Space, Inc. has a full time Prevention Coordinator who creates community awareness regarding sexual assault prevention through newspaper articles, trainings and public services announcements.  To receive more information regarding this program, call our office at 497-5599.  The links below will take you to the Louisburg College and NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault websites for more information and resources.

http://www.louisburg.edu/student/photooftheday.html

http://www.nccasa.org

 

ALL SAFE SPACE, INC. SERVICES ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE

DISCLAIMER:  NO PHOTOGRAPHS ON THIS WEB SITE ARE OF ANY ACTUAL VICTIMS.