Serving All Survivors and Creating Cultural Change
Submitted by KAITLYN VEIOCK, Medical Advocacy Community Education Specialist
The face of domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy has transformed over the years.
When asking community members what they know about the Women’s Center of Beaver County, we often hear we “are a shelter that helps women.” While our roots were focused on safety for women and children, we know domestic violence and sexual assault can happen to anyone of any gender. All survivors are welcomed!
In the 1970’s, domestic violence and sexual assault were “private matters”. Victims had no place to go in a culture where their experience felt unseen. This would soon change. Volunteers in Beaver County banded together to create a local task force. Driven by their passion for the cause, they opened our first location in Beaver Falls in 1976. They sheltered women in the homes of community volunteers while they continued their work to finance and staff our agency. The Center moved to Rochester in 1978 to accommodate the need for a crisis hotline and an emergency shelter. Our founders quickly determined the Center needed additional space and by 1981, they purchased the shelter in Beaver we have today. In 1992, the
Center expanded Counseling, Advocacy, and Education services into the Annex building. By 2001, we rehabilitated a third facility to launch Transitional Housing. Our services have transformed since our founders first met, however, our vision remains: Leading our community to a future where all members live free of domestic violence and sexual assault.
How We Help
Survivors have unique experiences. Safety, justice, and healing are different for each survivor. A critical part of the Center’s services is they are tailored to the survivor’s individual needs.
24 Hour Helpline
Crisis Counselors trained in domestic violence and sexual assault response are readily available. Survivors contacting the Helpline receive supportive crisis counseling, the opportunity to ask questions, and referrals to additional resources. Callers can remain anonymous while exploring options specific to their situations. Community members and professionals can also call the helpline for resources and assistance.
24 Hour On-Call Accompaniment
Medical personnel, law enforcement, school staff and other professional agencies can request a trained advocate to provide an in-person response. The role of the advocate is to assist survivors in developing a safety plan, answer questions, and provide advocacy to ensure the survivor’s needs are addressed.
Court Advocacy
Navigating court processes can be intimidating. Survivors who are filing Protection from Abuse orders, Sexual Violence Protection orders, or are involved in the court process can meet with a member of our Advocacy Department. Advocates provide information and referrals, act as a liaison to court systems, and offer emotional support.
Counseling and Therapy
Trauma-informed therapists provide confidential, evidence-based therapy for adults, adolescents, and children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence or sexual assault. Children’s therapists can provide therapy on site or in school settings. Therapists work to assist survivors in managing immediate crisis while building core skills to facilitate healing.
Education and Training
Education and Training staff provide interactive, informative, evidence-based prevention programs to students throughout Beaver County Schools and local colleges. Staff also provide trainings to professionals and community members.
Emergency Shelter
Our shelter can house up to 24 adults and children. Residents have access to a fully stocked kitchen, toiletries, comfortable living and dining area, laundry room, and bedrooms. Shelter counselors are available at all times to provide support, assist in goal planning, and connect residents to community resources. We strive to provide a healing atmosphere as they begin their new journey.
Community Snapshot
During the past year, we served over 1400 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Nearly 350 survivors and children received shelter, and we responded to 2,280 Helpline calls. Shelter, Counseling, and Advocacy staff provided over 9000 hours of counseling and advocacy. Education and Training staff provided nearly 500 programs to adults and children. Our Center provides critical life-saving services to individuals and families impacted by the trauma of domestic violence and sexual assault. It can be difficult to acknowledge that domestic violence and sexual assault happen close to home, but we see our community supporting survivors every day. Together we can make a difference!
