Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services

Programs

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

24-HOUR TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: 1-800-828-2023
Outreach to survivors in their own communities
Supportive counseling: 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
Transitional Supportive Housing (TSH) - we assist survivors of domestic violence to make full use of DASAS and community services to achieve their own goals; we subsidize rent for several survivors and assist in locating housing for other survivors
Parenting skills assistance

Sexual Assault Services:
Sexual assault is described as unwanted sexual contact either through force or coercion.

24-HOUR TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: 1-800-828-2023
Emergency Response to hospitals and police departments after an assault
Outreach to survivors in their own community
Supportive counseling: 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
Hillmann House is the shelter for DASAS and offers shelter to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their children from St. Joseph, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Hillmann House is a large building where women survivors can come by themselves or with their children and find a safe environment. 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 supportive counseling 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

DEFINITIONS

Advocate
Advocate is a trained domestic violence or sexual assault supportive counselor who will provide you with support and information about your rights and options. Any communication with her is private and confidential. She will NOT tell your assailant anything you say. She will not tell you what to do nor will she judge or evaluate you, but will help you make your own decisions, and figure out how to best get what you need, deserve and want. She will believe in you, encourage you and fight for you.

Counseling
DASAS Advocates provide individual supportive counseling. You do not have to be in a shelter, or on the way to one, nor do you have to make a commitment to leave the assailant in order to be eligible for this service. Your sexual abuse may have taken place recently or several years ago. Whether you're not ready to leave, have left, or just want someone to talk to, you can get individual supportive counseling for you and it's free. Counseling 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 abused women 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 women who are in all stages of the process -- women who are still with their assailants; women who are deciding whether or not to leave; women who are in the process of leaving; and women who are long gone. There are women who may have suffered childhood sexual abuse, sexual abuse at the hands of a spouse or partner, or by a stranger.