The Vera House Advocacy Program provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic, sexual and family violence - women, men and
children - and other victims of crime.
all Vera House Advocacy Program services are free

SERVICES AVAILABLE

24-hour crisis & support lines:
24 hours a day - 7 days a week, a trained advocate
is always available to listen, and offer information & referrals

Crisis intervention:
face-to-face, confidential crisis-intervention at area hospitals,
law enforcement offices, schools, nursing homes, etc.

Short-term counseling:
focused on understanding the dynamics of abusive
relationships, developing a safety plan, sorting out options
and offering general emotional support

Support and education groups:
day and evening groups for women, which offer domestic
violence education and information about community services
in a confidential, supportive setting where women can connect
with others who have experienced abusive or violent relationships

Outreach:
through advocates stationed at Child Protective Services,
the specialized Domestic Violence Courts and the
Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office

Comprehensive systems advocacy:
for domestic violence, sexual assault & other victims of crime, including assistance with Crime Victims' Board compensation claims

Family Court/Domestic Violence Helpdesk:
provides assistance preparing petitions for Temporary Orders of Protection and Custody. Clients involved with domestic violence
are offered information and referrals, and in some cases,
advocacy in Family Court. We accept walk-ins on
a first-come, first-served basis in Room 101
at the Onondaga County Courthouse.

Monday Night Legal Clinic:
the Onondaga County Women's Bar Association offers
one-hour consultations with attorneys who are knowledgeable
about legal issues related to domestic violence, where clients
not currently represented by an attorney can explore
topics such as divorce and custody.

The objective of the Vera House Advocacy Program
is to assist clients in achieving their long-term goal
to live free of violence, by providing services that:

◊ respond to victims' immediate, crisis-driven needs
and address safety issues for themselves and their families

◊ ensure victims' access to critically needed intervention
and services from law enforcement, courts, attorneys,
therapists, medical practitioners, clergy, etc.

◊ educate victims and their families about the dynamics
and impact of their domestic/sexual/family violence
experience, and find ways to stay safe in the future

◊ support and empower victims toward long-term stability

If you are the victim of abuse
you may want to talk to someone who understands
and can help you sort out your options.

◊ call our crisis & support lines
24 hours a day  -  7 days a week

domestic violence 468-3260
rape & sexual assault 422-7273

We are always ready to help

For more information about
Vera House Outreach & Advocacy, contact Program Coordinator
Melissa Bornstein
at #315.425.0818 ext207
or