Advocates Against Family Violence Inc

Programs: Hope's door shelter is a 17,000 sq ft facility located on three acres that has 29 individually decorated rooms and offers a safe place to live free of abuse. During 2011, 87 women and 82 children lived at the shelter. Total shelter nights provided in 2011 were approximately 10,546 cumulatively. The sexual assault response team (sart) is a coalition of sexual assault nurse examiners, rape victim advocates, law enforcement officers, emergency room staff, and prosecuting attorneys that was developed to coordinate the community's response to sexual assault. This team provided support and services to 52 adult and 95 child physical and sexual abuse cases. The transitional housing program offers housing, utility and child care assistance to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault. A total of 56 victims of domestic violence were assisted with rent, utilities, child care vouchers, bus passes and gas vouchers in 2011. Through the rural domestic violence program, aafv collaborates with law enforcement and the judicial system to provide advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. Advocates under this program assisted 166 victims in owyhee and canyon counties during 2011. Aafv offers classes and group sessions to help develop skills essential for a healthy relationship and to become self-sufficient. These classes include: boundaries, self-esteem, safety planning, protection order orientation, life skills, anger management, parenting, adult and children support groups. Our attendance in these groups and classes was 2,250 in 2011. Aafv responded to 1,188 crisis calls from victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and child abuse. During 2011 advocates handled 4,756 calls for information and resources. Hope's door offers women fleeing domestic violence and healing with substance abuse issues a safe and sober living environment for them and their children. We also provide case management treatment referrals, drug testing, and educational classes and groups. In 2011, four victims were assisted in this program. Through the scattered-site permanent housing program services were offered to 14 families seeking affordable housing. This program provides housing to meet the low-income housing needs of our community and insures a continued, safe environment for families. Local preferences are given for this housing and may offer housing to applicants who meet the local preference requirements before all other applicants on the list.