Help During a Crisis
24-Hour Crisis and Support Line
The HAVEN Crisis and Support Line is one of only two “hotlines” operating in Oakland County and is the only one specifically dealing with the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our crisis line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing callers with crisis intervention and support, along with information and referrals to other agencies when necessary.
Initial appointments for any of HAVEN services can be scheduled through the Crisis and Support Line, and referrals to community resources will be made when appropriate. Anyone may call the Crisis and Support Line, including victims, family, friends or other concerned individuals.
There is no fee for this program.
24-Hour Emergency Shelter Program
The HAVEN residential program is Oakland County’s only 24-hour emergency shelter exclusively for domestic violence or sexual assault victims and their children. This includes emancipated minors, but not children without a parent. It also includes men who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors who are afraid to stay in their own home.
Access to our shelter is available only through the Crisis and Support Line — (248) 334-1274. The shelter location is “semi” secret, making it more difficult for batterers to find their significant others.
The stay at shelter is approximately 30 days, although exceptions can be made under extenuating circumstances. The average stay is three weeks.
While in the shelter, residents are provided with counseling and assistance in finding permanent housing. Help in obtaining financial assistance, medical care and long-term counseling is also offered. The counselors are trained to advocate for residents in financial matters, housing and other needs of daily living. They hold group and individual sessions to empower residents to put their lives back together.
There are also specialized programs and activities for children who stay in the shelter. They are enrolled in public schools and can attend group and individual counseling.
There is never a fee for shelter services.
If you need help or would like more information about this program, call our Crisis and Support Line at (248) 334-1274.
START (Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team)
The START team, made up of forensic nurses, physician’s assistants, and HAVEN advocates, provides comprehensive compassionate care to the victims of sexual assault. Sexual assault patients receive both emotional support by the advocate and therapeutic medical care in a safe environment. This care includes medical attention, a detailed forensic exam, and prophylactic medication as indicated.
The Forensic Examiners (FEs) are specially trained to perform medical forensic examinations of adolescent and adult victims of acute sexual assault. They collect evidence from suspects in police custody and work with victims. They are also trained in giving court testimony.
The START site is located in Royal Oak. The advocate and forensic examiners meet victims at the START site.
FEs assist any victim of sexual assault, 13 years of age or older, who reports the crime within 96 hours of its occurrence. FEs examine both males and females and provide evidence collection from both victims and suspects.
There is no fee for this service.
If you need help or would like more information about this program, call our Crisis and Support Line at (248) 334-1274.
Advocacy
Advocates in the Social Action Program provide a safe, supportive and nonjudgmental atmosphere for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault to begin to rebuild trust, to develop a sense of security and to reduce feelings of isolation and self-blame. Advocates assist victims with their concerns in a confidential manner without interfering with the medical, reporting, investigative or court processes.
Advocates are available by pager 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support immediately after an assault at any Oakland County hospital, the START site or police station. If a friend or family member accompanies the victim, a second advocate will attend to their need for support and provide information about how to be supportive of the victim. When paged, an advocate can contact the victim immediately by phone as well. Advocates provide a link to services in the tri-county area, such as counseling, shelter, legal services, crisis lines, and financial resources to expand the victim’s range of options and their sense of control. Advocates are trained to assess the danger and help victims develop an individualized safety plan. Information is provided about the medical procedures, evidence collections and criminal justice process as well as about crime victim’s rights. Financial assistance through the Crime Victims Fund is explained and the application process is facilitated.
Advocates are assigned to specific district courts in Oakland County in order to offer the most effective and informed assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The advocacy staff not only accompanies victims to criminal proceedings but also helps them obtain a Personal Protection Order (PPO). Advocates assist at any violation or Show Cause Hearing on these matters. They can accompany victims to the Circuit Court proceedings. Advocates respond to referrals from all county police departments, from prosecutors, from city attorneys, and directly from the victims.
All Advocacy services are confidential and free of charge. This program is supported by VOCA (Victims of Crime Act).
If you need help or would like more information about this program, call our Crisis and Support Line at (248) 334-1274.
The programs above focus primarily on helping individuals and families during a time of crisis. To learn about HAVEN programs that provide help with other stages of crisis, please click on the links below.