Outreach Services
HOPE’s Outreach Services provide advocacy for people who have been impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence also called “domestic abuse” or “intimate partner violence”, can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family member. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a type of violence that occurs any time a person is forced to participate in sexual acts without giving consent. This can include unwanted physical touch such as molestation or rape, or it can include words or images that violate someone’s personal space and safety. For example, obscene phone calls and jokes, flashing, voyeurism, fondling, and unwanted displays of pornography are also considered sexual violence. Sexual abuse is not about sexual desire or pleasure, it is about gaining power and control over the victim.
Domestic violence and sexual assault do not discriminate and can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Domestic violence and sexual assault affect people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
Services may include:
- Safety Planning
- Housing Resources
- Support Groups
- Emotional Support
- Self-Care and Coping Skill Building
- Medical Advocacy
- Support During forensic exams
- Emotional support and planning for medical appointments
- Assistance with Legal Process
- Reporting to Law Enforcement
- Interviews with Investigation, Prosecutors and more
- Support During Court Process
- Assistance with Protection Orders
- Referrals to Other Community Resources
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams
HOPE Coalition is partnering with St. Croix Valley SART to provide a community based option for those needing a sexual assault forensic exam also known as a rape kit. The exam and advocacy is all free of charge and available at HOPE Coalition’s office. For more information about these services contact an advocate at 1-800-369-5214 . You can learn more about St. Croix Valley SART by clicking here.
