Outreach Counseling
The Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center’s Outreach Program provides individual support counseling to both domestic violence and sexual assault clients and significant others, two Women’s Domestic Violence Support Groups, a comprehensive Legal Advocacy program, and accompaniment to hospitals, police stations, and courts.
Domestic violence is not about anger; it is about power and control. Domestic violence encompasses more than physical abuse. Other forms of domestic violence include emotional, verbal, financial, and sexual abuses. Through our individual and support group counseling services, we empower victims to identify the controlling behaviors of their partners. We recognize that victims are the experts in their situations and through support counseling we assist them in weighing their options. The ultimate goal is the safety of the victim regardless of her choice to stay or leave the situation.
Sexual abuses constitute more than rape. Other forms of sexual abuse include incest, sexual contact (touching), lewdness, voyeurism, sexual harassment, stalking, and forced prostitution. The Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center provides support services to all survivors of sexual abuse. In addition to providing services to survivors, significant others may also receive counseling services through the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center.
Domestic Violence Counseling
- All services are confidential and free of charge
- Individual support counseling services
- Women’s domestic violence support groups on Monday nights
- Individual’s are screened for the appropriate services
DVRT (Domestic Violence Response Team)
- Volunteer program
- Currently program is running in most county polices departments plus both state police barracks
- Provides a confidential victim advocate to victims of domestic violence who have been brought to police headquarters for the purpose of filing a TRO (temporary restaining order), pressing criminal charges, etc. The program provides the victim with the opportunity to talk with an advocate
Sexual Assault Counseling
- All services are confidential and free of charge
- Individual support counseling services
- Individuals are screened for the appropriate services
- Sexual assault group on Wednesday nights
- Confidential victim advocates can respond to hospitals to provide support when SART criteria are not met
SART (Sexual Assault Response Team)
- Victim centered approach set up to respond to survivors of sexual assault who are 13 years of age or older, who want forensic evidence gathered at either Warren Hospital or Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, and when the assault has occurred within 5 days.
Legal Program
What is a Legal Advocate? A legal advocat provides information, referrals, and assistance related to legal aspects of domestic violence. A legal advocat is NOT a lawyer and cannot give you legal advice.
What does a Legal Advocate Do? The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center's legal advocates can not provide legal advice, however, the advocate may:
- Inform you of your rights as a survivor of domestic violence
- Assist you in applying for a temporary restraining order and/or answer any questions regarding temporary and final restraining orders
- Act as a liaison between you and law enforcement, court staff, attorneys, etc. (with your permission)
- Offer court preparation and accompaniment for temporary and final restraining order hearings.
- Offer assistance and information pertaining to safety planning and strategies.
When should I seek the help of a legal advocate and how do i do it? If you have any questions about restraining orders or need other legal information, contact the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center's legal advocates at (908) 453-4121 ext. 100, 108, or 301
Family Violence Option (FVO) Program
- Program with Work First NJ
- The Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center screens women who need waivers from Social Services due to being domestic violence or sexual assault survivors
For more information about any of the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center's Outreach Programs please call (908) 453-4121 ext. 303.
