News
New funding from the Verizon Foundation allows Safe Harbor to continue to provide critical Domestic Violence servcies to our community.
Programs
Safe Harbor programs are available at no charge to all Sheboygan County residents. We work to provide barrier free access to our services. Some ways in which this is done include a toll free 800 number for the crisis line, having program information available in Spanish and Hmong, offering support groups at a variety of times and locations, providing transportation, having a barrier-free office and shelter, and having translators and interpreters available upon request and through referrals from other agencies in the county. Our shelter is ADA compliant.
Domestic Violence Program
The program crisis line and shelter are staffed 24 hours a day to provide victims with immediate access to a safe facility and support services. Services include crisis counseling, peer support groups facilitated by staff, help in obtaining restraining orders, legal referral, emergency financial assistance, legal and systems advocacy, accompaniment to court and other appointments, assistance with child care needs, transportation, and information and referral services. All services are provided free of charge to the recipient.
Sexual Assault Program
The program crisis line is staffed 24 hours a day to provide victims with immediate access to safety and support services. Services include hospital advocacy, distribution of personal care packages (clothing and hygiene items) to victims through hospital emergency rooms, crisis counseling, therapy, peer support groups facilitated by staff, legal and systems advocacy, accompaniment to court and other appointments, assistance with child care needs and information and referral services. All services are provided free of charge to the recipient.
Children's Program
Child witnesses of family violence whose parents are served by Safe Harbor receive special attention. Services include crisis counseling, educational and peer support groups facilitated by staff, educational groups facilitated by staff, advocacy and assistance with homework. All services are provided free of charge to the recipient.
Transitional Living Program
Individuals who choose to establish an indpependent living situation apart from their abusive partner are assisted through this program. Services can include assistance with first month rent and/or security deposit, and homemaking start-up kits. Case management, rent supplement, and educational support groups are provided to survivors as long as they are involved in the program. Safe Harbor partners with the M.A.C. House Project to provide affordable rental units to qualified clients.
Community Education and Prevention
Staff from each of the program areas assists with community education and prevention activities and presenations. In addition to providing information about Safe Harbor services, these programs include presentations about domestic abuse, dating violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment to adults in community groups and organizations throughout the county and include students in schools and youth groups. Prevention programs include topics like recognizing and developing healthy dating relationships, and tips for sexual assault prevention. Prevention programs are offered for adolescents, teens and adults, including those with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Staff also offers training to other community professionals about how to identify and provide services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Printed information is distributed throughout the county. Specialized awareness activities and events are held each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to focus on these issues and the needs of victims.