Advocacy & Support Services

If you’re in an abusive relationship or trying to leave one, an advocate can help you create a safety plan that’s tailored to your life and circumstances. A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that helps you avoid unsafe situations before, during, and after leaving your abuser. Your plan may include strategies like working with your employer to stay safe at work, coordinating with your child’s school or daycare, setting up code words to discreetly alert trusted friends or family that you may be in trouble, or making copies of important documents, IDs, and keys.

Whether you’re a shelter resident or an outside client, our one-on-one advocacy sessions offer a supportive, judgment-free space to talk through your experience. Sessions may include conversations about the different forms of abuse, the power and control cycle, and strategies for managing trauma.  Advocates can also connect you to support groups, legal advocacy, and community resources.

At Harbor House, we’re committed to rebuilding your support network and removing any obstacles on your journey to empowerment. Our weekly support groups offer a safe, welcoming place to connect with others in similar situations, share stories, build new friendships, and re-establish your support network. You’ll also learn practical skills to cope with trauma and build resilience for the future.

In addition to our two general support groups for adults, we’ve also created a number of groups to address the needs of specific populations.

Our legal advocacy service is here to support you, whether you’re staying in our shelter or seeking support as an outside client. You’ll work directly with an advocate to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs. This may include:

• Assistance filing and obtaining temporary restraining orders and injunctions.
• Preparation for criminal cases, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
• Support with civil cases including divorce, separation, child custody, and child support.
• Transportation and accompaniment to court proceedings, both civil and criminal.
• Speaking with judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals to advocate on your behalf.
• Help filing immigration paperwork and navigating the immigration system.

As the only organization in our area that’s open 24 hours a day, we’re uniquely positioned to provide immediate support to victims of sexual assault. If you’re going to the hospital for emergency care or a forensic exam, we’ll send an advocate to be there with you so you don’t have to go through it alone. Our role is to support you in the moment, help you feel safe, and make sure your voice is heard. After that, we can connect you with REACH Counseling for continued care and support.

Language barriers should never prevent you from getting the support you deserve. If English isn’t your native language, we offer interpreter assistance in a variety of languages—including Spanish, Hmong, and several others. This ensures you can comfortably communicate your needs, share your experiences, and feel heard, understood, and supported.