01/20/05

AV Domestic Violence Council

 Court Accompaniment

(661) 951-3869

AV Domestic Violence Council

CalWORKs/Outreach Program

Non-residential

Support services and Counseling

(661) 723-7772

I am in an abusive relationship and don’t know what to do.

The domestic violence hotline is available 24-hours a day, every day of the year and is staffed by trained advocates prepared to discuss your individual situation and explain the options available to you.  Your call is confidential and does not obligate you to participate in any program.

I want to leave my abuser but don’t have anywhere to go.

Valley Oasis Shelter is a 60-day emergency shelter available to victims of family violence and their children.  During your stay the shelter will provide you with safe housing, food and necessary personal items.

How do I get into the shelter?

The hotline staff will ask you a variety of questions in order to evaluate whether the shelter is the best option for you.  If you decide it is the best option and there are available beds, the staff will instruct you further.

I am afraid that my abuser will find me at the shelter.

If you have reason to believe that your abuser knows where the shelter is or has the means to locate it, the staff will work with you to transfer you to a shelter in another location where you will be safe.  The shelter is a confidential location and it is important that you not disclose its location even after you have left.

My abuser shares custody of my children, am I breaking the law if I bring them to the shelter?

If you have sole custody, primary custody, joint custody or shared custody of your children you are not breaking the law by bringing them to the shelter with you.  Be sure to bring a copy of your custody order with you to the shelter, the staff will assist you in notifying the proper authorities of you children’s safe location.

What can I bring with me to the shelter?

You are allowed to bring a reasonable amount of personal items to the shelter.  It is important that you bring essential medications and paperwork.  You may bring a vehicle with you if you are the legal owner.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept pets at the shelter so alternative arrangements must be made for their care.

What happens after I go to the shelter?

The shelter program provides you with an advocate that will assist you in making plans for your future.  Your advocate will help you identify what resources you have available and what programs can assist you.  While at the shelter, you and your children will participate in domestic violence educational groups as well as individual and group counseling.  Additionally, staff will assist you in obtaining a Restraining Order against your abuser, if you so desire, and develop a safety plan for the future safety of you and your children.

Where do I go after the shelter?

Your advocate will assist you in deciding where you wish to live after the shelter, what you can afford and in finding programs that can assist you with a safe home.  The AVDVC has several Transitional Housing Programs available to shelter residents.  Eligible victims can apply to the program and, if accepted will be able to participate in the transitional program for up to two years.  During this time, you will continue to work with the various educational and counseling programs as well as participate in and educational or job development program.  If there is no availability in the AVDVC program or, you are not eligible for that particular program, your advocate will assist you in identifying other housing programs to apply to.

I have a safe place to stay, but I need help and support, where can I go?

Leaving an abusive relationship is not as easy as simply leaving the home, victims and their children need assistance and support in deciding what they want to do with their life and in obtaining the necessary resources to help them reach their goals.  It is also important for victims to work with domestic violence educators and counselors to learn more about the violence, the impact it has had on them and their children and how to avoid such relationships in the future.  The AVDVC CalWORKs/Outreach Program provides counseling and support services to victims who do not need to stay in the shelter or, who have left the shelter but need continuing services.  These services are available at no cost to the client.

My abuser was arrested, do I have to testify?

It is important that your abuser be held accountable for hurting you.  Depending on the case, you may be required to testify in court.  The AVDVC Court Accompaniment Advocates can explain the court process to you and will even go to court with you.  They will also assist you in obtaining the proper court order to ensure the future safety of you and your children.

Do I need a Lawyer?

You do not need a lawyer for the criminal case against your abuser; the Prosecutor will be developing the case against your abuser.  If you have other legal issues of concern, such as divorce, custody, paternity or child support, the AVDVC CalWORKs Legal Clinic may be able to assist you.  If they are unable to assist you with your immediate legal needs, they will assist you in finding no- or low-cost representation.

Will everything be “better” once I leave?

Leaving is the first step to a better life.  No one deserves to be abused and you and your children have the right to a life free of fear and pain.  There is no one answer or one program that is right for everyone, but the AVDVC programs are designed to help each victim find the right answer for their family.  Everyone is welcome in our programs, and we work with a wide variety of community programs to meet all your needs.  Our goal is to help you develop the resources to live a safe and fulfilling life free of violence.