Sexual Assault Program

WHAT HELP CAN
HANDS OF HOPE GIVE?

It often takes a great deal of courage for a victim to take that first step and ask for help.

At Hands of Hope, you can expect to talk with courteous, empathetic and trained advocates who can help you through those early stages of dealing with trauma. Help is available to you whether you are the person victimized, a parent or other relative of a victim, or a partner, friend or co-worker needing support and direction. This may be through accessing our confidential, 24-hour toll-free crisis line, by our presence at the hospital during an exam, by assisting and supporting the victim during court proceedings, in helping the victim gain an Order for Protection through the court, by being with them during interviews with law enforcement, or through individual or group support. It may also take the form of giving information or referrals, by helping them sort out available options, and assisting them to make decisions based on their needs and wishes. Emergency assistance or help in finding alternative housing may be needed. Appropriate referrals to other services are given when they may be indicated. All services are free to victims and those who care about them.

Often victims may feel at first that they want to deal with the situation themselves, or they may have thought they had nowhere to turn when they were victimized. Various life events can bring about renewed difficulties with the past abuse. Hands of Hope can offer listening and supportive counseling in these situations or provide appropriate referrals to other service agencies. A contact with Hands of Hope can be the start to your healing process so you may live your life to the fullest possible.