Nan Baughman
Jefferson County Refuge House
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Before COVID-19, Refuge House and the Jefferson County's Sexual Violence Advocate would host a community event to bring awareness to sexual assault. The Refuge House would also host a survivor speak-out.
This year is going to be a little different.
During the month of April, please watch for information each week in the Monticello News and Jefferson County Journal, as the Refuge House's staff will be discussing topics such as human trafficking, safety plans, consequences of sexual assault, consent, vulnerabilities, isolation and much more.
With the recommendation of social distancing, school and work closures, limitations of outside contact, and loss of income, anxieties will be heightened, anger will rise, and this will leave many vulnerable to abusers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse during this time or anytime, we encourage you to call the Refuge House, as it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1 (800) 500-1119. While services may look a little different than before this year, advocacy services are still going to be provided with compassion, understanding and confidentiality.
The mission of the Refuge House is to provide direct services to battered women, their children, and sexual assault survivors as well as to work to eliminate the conditions in society that allow such violence to continue.
Refuge House Services provided in or for Jefferson County include:
• Emergency Shelter Program in Leon/ Taylor countys provides a safe place for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking to escape from their abusers. Dependent children are sheltered with their parent. Clients are provided with food, clothing and other personal items. Our counselors and case managers offer each resident the resources and emotional support needed to meet their “next step” goals.
• Hotline program 1(800) 500-1119 provides 24/7 crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, referrals and screenings for shelter. Advocates assist victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Friends, family and employers of victims are also invited to call our hotline for assistance to know how best to help. The Hotline program is staffed by trained advocates and volunteers. All Refuge House programs are accessed through calling the hotline.
• Outreach Program offers services designed to meet the needs of all people affected by domestic and/or sexual violence. These services include: domestic violence counseling, sexual violence counseling and prostitution support services. Both individual counseling and groups are offered. Victims and their friends and family are welcome. The Refuge House provides outreach services to primary and secondary survivors who are currently incarcerated or living in local shelters. The outreach can be reached at (850) 342-3518.
*no groups or services provided to incarcerated survivors until further notice.
• Courthouse Program provides assistance in completing official documents related to “Injunction for Protection.” Advocates also provide information and referral services, courtroom support, safety planning and crisis intervention. Advocates can accompany petitioners to hearings, providing emotional support as well as information about the process.
*no courthouse accompaniment until further notice.
All services offered by the Refuge House are free and confidential.
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