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.