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Programs  

Informational Brochure (English or Spanish)

Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault:

Domestic violence is physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse committed upon a person by a spouse, former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or cohabitant. 

Sexual assault is described as any unwanted sexual contact either through force, coercion manipulation, deception, or while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

• 24-HOUR TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: 1-800-828-2023

• Outreach to survivors in their own communities

• Supportive Advocacy:  we provide information and assist survivors in exploring their options and developing a personalized plan of action

• Self-assessment guide to assist survivors in identifying the seriousness of abuse they have experienced

• Weekly support groups

• Assistance in obtaining or enforcing personal protection orders

• Accompaniment to court proceedings

• Access to clothing, emergency medical services, financial assistance, transportation and daycare

• Information, referral and advocacy with other services in the community

• Parenting skills assistance

Hillmann House

Hillman House serves as the shelter/safe house that DASAS offers to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their children from St. Joseph, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.  At Hillmann House you will get the chance to meet and talk with other battered women and share support. Your children (regardless of gender and 17 years or younger) are welcome to come with you. There will be one-on-one supportive advocacy and people with whom you can talk. To come to Hillmann House you do not need to decide to leave your assailant forever. Hillmann House is a safe place where families learn about options.

• 30 days emergency shelter

• Mother and children stay in one room

• Residents make own meals with food provided by Hillmann House

• Access to clothing, emergency medical services, financial assistance, transportation and daycare

• Advocates on staff assist resident in developing her own personalized plan

• Child Advocate assists resident with placing children in school, shelter adjustment issues and parenting skills assistance

• Weekly support groups

• Assistance in locating permanent housing

• Legal advocacy, including assistance with obtaining a Personal Protection Order (PPO)*

• Information, referral and advocacy with other services in the community

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Definitions:

Advocate

An Advocate is a trained domestic violence or sexual assault supportive resource who will provide you with support and information about your rights and options. Any communication with him or her is private and confidential. The Advocate will NOT tell your assailant anything you say. They will not tell you what to do, judge or evaluate you, but will help you make your own decisions on what you need, deserve and want. The Advocate will believe in you, encourage you and fight for you.

Advocacy

DASAS Advocates provide individual, client-centered advocacy.  You do not have to be in the shelter in order to receive advocacy, nor do you have to be separated from your abuser.  Advocacy is available to all survivors of abuse, whether it is current or past abuse.  The services are 100% free to you. One-on-one advocacy generally takes place at the agency; however our advocates will meet you at a safe place in your community. Child care and transportation are often provided.

Support Groups

Many abuse survivors say that the most helpful thing they've done is meeting other survivors and talking about common problems. When you come to a support group, you don't have to talk. You can just listen. There are survivors in all stages of the process -- whether they are still with the abuser, have decided to leave, are in the process of leaving, or have already left.  There are survivors who may have suffered childhood sexual abuse and sexual abuse at the hands of a spouse, partner or stranger.