Services
Select a service from the below list to find out more.
Residential / Shelter
Services
Advocacy Services
Individual Counseling
Support Groups
Residential
Program
- (607) 754-4340 or Toll Free1-877-754-4340
- 24-hour Hotline
- Domestic Violence Shelter
- Thirty day maximum stay
- Confidential location and services
- Counseling and advocacy available - residentially and
non-residentially
- Children's groups and adult groups
- Shelter capacity for twenty clients
- Broome/Tioga counties primarily served
Advocacy Services
(607) 748-5174
Advocacy— means “speaking on behalf of another.”
We are here to call agencies, government offices, and other people
on your behalf, with your permission, after careful
evaluation of your needs. Although we are happy to provide advocacy
services, there may be some limits based on the situation. These
limits are determined by the Director of Advocacy and the Director
of SOS. We want to help you but understand that the advocates are
not attorneys. You may need legal advice ONLY available from an
attorney.
Judicial
Court— We give information about
the procedure in Family Court, local Criminal Courts, Binghamton
Domestic Violence Court, and the Integrated Domestic Violence Court.
Also, we provide you with a pamphlet explaining what your legal
rights are as a crime victim.
Petitions— We explain the
procedures for filing Family Court petitions for: Custody,
Visitation, Order of Protection, Child Support, Modifications, and
Violations. We explain the procedures for filing charges in a
Criminal Court.
Lawyer— If you believe that you
cannot afford an attorney, we can provide you with an application
for a court-appointed attorney for Family Court. We discuss what can
be reasonably expected from your attorney. We accompany you to your
appointment with your lawyer, if approved by the lawyer. With your
permission, we provide information to the lawyer to assist in your
case.
Court Appointment— If you are
already a client at our office, we try to be available to be present
with you at Family Court hearings and Criminal Court appearances, as
allowed by law and as permitted by the advocate’s schedule.
Transportation to court may be arranged in advance with the
advocate.
Court Communication— We request
information on case status, attorney assignment, and issuance of
orders.
Police— We accompany you and
provide transportation (as available) to the police department to
advocate that criminal charges against the abuser be filed. We stay
in communication with the police regarding the status of the
investigation and the arrest of the abuser. We assist in arranging a
police escort to get your personal belongings for your residence.
Also, we assist you in acquiring copies of police reports or other
documents, as needed.
Prosecutor— We communicate with
the District Attorney assigned to prosecute the case against your
abuser. We request that your views be heard and the restitution be
demanded, when appropriate. We help to ensure that you are notified
of all proceedings that go forward for both misdemeanor and felony
offenses.
Parole— We communicate with the
Division of Parole to be sure that you are notified, as is your
right if you file with the clerk of the sentencing court, when the
abuser is released from prison. We advocate for you if the abuser
violates parole by conduct which has a negative impact on you and/or
your children.
Compensation Claims— We provide
claim assistance with New York State Crime Victim’s Board for:
medical bills, counseling fees, shelter costs, transportation to
court, replacement/repair of essential personal property, etc.
Social Services
Application Assistance— We
provide you with a Department of Social Services (DSS) application.
We help you complete the application and other paper work as well.
We accompany you to DSS and provide transportation, as available and
as arranged in advance with an Advocate.
If you have an open case with us, we advocate with
DSS for you regarding these issues: furniture, security deposit,
public assistance, food stamps, expedited food stamps, moving
expenses, and money to restore utilities, as these apply to your
needs. We discuss your eligibility for ongoing public assistance and
subsidized programs per the DSS guidelines.
Other Services Include:
Information— We provide
information and referrals on other issues stemming from
Domestic Violence such as, but not limited to: creditors, utilities,
housing, etc. Specific information is provided regarding subsidized
housing, tenancy, how to find apartments, household budgets, and
other financial assistance programs.
If appropriate, we can refer you for the
installation of a basic security system for your residence. You
would need to be responsible for the monthly monitoring fee.
Also, we provide information about bus routes,
subsidized child care and day care referrals, and immigration. We
discuss the cycle of violence, safety planning, and Child Protective
Services.
With your permission, we discuss your situation
with your employer, if needed.
Counseling— Short-term counseling
as well as group counseling sessions are available to focus on
issues relation to Domestic Violence. Referrals to the community
mental health providers and other relevant programs are available
upon request.
Call To Protect Program— Provides
domestic violence victims a free cellular phone. The cellular can
access 911. For further information, talk to your advocate.
Did you know…
- If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may request that
the officer assist in providing for your safety and that of your
children, including providing information on how to obtain a
temporary order of protection.
- Expanded access to Family Court now provides that orders of
protection may be entered against any member of the same family or
household; expands the definition of “members of the same family or
household” for purposes of issuance of orders of protection and
temporary orders of protection and the concurrent jurisdiction of
family courts and criminal courts, to former spouse whether or not
living together and unrelated persons who continually or at regular
intervals reside in the same household or have done so in the past,
and persons dating or intimate relationship whether or not they have
ever lived together.
Individual Counseling
Short term counseling (up to four sessions) dealing specifically
with domestic violence is available for clients who may or may not
need shelter. The counseling sessions are centered on
identifying domestic violence, providing referrals, safety planning,
and remaining free from domestic violence once out of the situation.
If interested in individual counseling, please call (607) 754-4340.
An appointment can be scheduled after an intake is completed with
the Supervisor of Shelter Services.
Support Groups
Pattern Changing For Women
An Education based support group for victims of Domestic
Violence.
Topics will include:
- Understanding the dynamics of domestic violence
- Understanding how domestic violence affects children
- Learn to establish boundaries in your life
- Self esteem building
- Explore your strengths and weaknesses
- Develop realistic goals for the future
- Exploring how your childhood has affected choices you make
as an adult
- Insight into recognizing abusive, controlling traits in
future partners
On going groups will be 1½ hours in length on Wednesday's. There is also an 8
week Pattern Changing group held Monday's. There is no fee for this group. Individual counseling is also
available.
For further information contact the following phone numbers:
(607) 778-3826 or (607) 778-1139