Crisis Advocacy

Mar 20, 2025
Crisis Advocacy

At the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP), we provide free, confidential crisis advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner and domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Our trained advocates offer emotional support, safety planning, and direct assistance to help survivors navigate their next steps.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: 740-591-4266

Our confidential hotline is available 24/7 to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and resource referrals.

How Crisis Advocacy Can Help

Our Crisis Advocates assist survivors by:

  • Providing Emotional Support – We listen without judgment and help you process what has happened.
  • Exploring Your Options – We discuss legal, medical, and safety planning choices so you can make informed decisions.
  • Connecting You to Resources – We help you find counseling, housing, legal assistance, and financial aid.
  • Safety Planning – We work with you to create a personalized safety plan based on your situation.
  • Emergency Assistance – We assist with shelter referrals, transportation, and urgent needs.

Medical Advocacy

If you have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence, you may need medical care or forensic evidence collection.

  • Advocates can accompany you to the hospital for a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE).
  • You are not required to report to law enforcement to receive medical care.
  • We ensure that you understand your rights and options throughout the process.

Learn More About Medical Advocacy >

Legal Advocacy

Many survivors seek legal protection after experiencing violence. Our advocates help with:

  • Filing Protection Orders (Civil Protection Orders, Temporary Protection Orders, Juvenile Protection Orders).
  • Understanding Your Legal Rights related to criminal and civil cases.
  • Accompanying You to Court or Law Enforcement to provide support.
  • Title IX Support for survivors experiencing sexual violence in schools or on college campuses.

Learn More About Legal Advocacy >

Emergency & Shelter Assistance

If you need emergency shelter, housing assistance, or financial aid, we can help connect you to resources.

  • Referrals for emergency housing and domestic violence shelters
  • Help accessing food, clothing, and financial assistance
  • Transportation assistance to hospitals, shelters, or court appointments

Learn More About Service Coordination >

Support for Co-Survivors (Family & Friends)

If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of someone who has experienced violence, our crisis advocates can help you understand how to support your loved one while also taking care of yourself.

Get Help Now

If you need immediate support, do not wait. Our trained advocates are here for you.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: (740) 591-4266

Email: info@saopseoh.org

Service Coordination

Mar 20, 2025
Service Coordination

Survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner and domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking often need support beyond crisis intervention. The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) provides free, confidential service coordination to help survivors access housing, counseling, financial assistance, legal services, and other essential resources.

How Service Coordination Can Help

Our Service Coordinators work directly with survivors to:

  • Assess Needs & Provide Referrals – We help survivors connect with housing, healthcare, financial aid, and counseling services.
  • Facilitate Supportive Services – We coordinate access to legal assistance, childcare, transportation, and employment resources.
  • Advocate for Survivor Rights – We help ensure survivors receive the support and benefits they are entitled to.
  • Assist with Applications – We guide survivors through applications for housing, public benefits, and victim compensation programs.
  • Monitor Care Plans – We provide ongoing support, reassessing survivor needs and adjusting resources as necessary.
image

(i) Housing & Shelter Assistance

  • Emergency shelter referrals for individuals fleeing violence.
  • Transitional and long-term housing options.
  • Rental assistance and housing advocacy.

(ii) Mental Health & Wellness

  • Referrals to trauma-informed counseling and support groups.
  • Substance use recovery and case management services.

(iii) Food & Emergency Assistance

  • Connections to food pantries, clothing banks, and financial aid programs.
  • Emergency transportation to shelters, medical appointments, or legal proceedings.

(iv) Legal & Financial Support

  • Assistance with filing protection orders and understanding legal rights.
  • Help with applications for Crime Victims Compensation and public benefits.
  • Advocacy for survivors facing workplace discrimination, eviction, or financial instability.

If you have any physical injuries from sexual assault, intimate partner or domestic violence, human trafficking, or another form of violence, seeking medical attention is important for your health and safety.

A hospital advocate can:

  • Help you understand treatment options for injuries.
  • Assist with documentation if you choose to pursue legal action later.
  • Provide emotional support throughout the medical process.

SAOP’s Service Coordination is available to:

  • Survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner and domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking.
  • Co-survivors (friends, family, and caregivers) supporting a loved one.
  • Individuals who have recently experienced violence or need ongoing support after past trauma.

All services are free, confidential, and available regardless of income or legal status.

Get Help Now

If you need housing, counseling, legal assistance, or other support, we are here to help.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: (740) 591-4266

Email: info@saopseoh.org

Prevention Education

Mar 20, 2025
Prevention Education

Preventing sexual violence, intimate partner and domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking begins with education. The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) offers interactive workshops, school-based programs, and community education to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to create safer, violence-free communities. We provide age-appropriate education, bystander intervention training, and resources for schools, workplaces, and community organizations.

Prevention Education Programs

Our prevention education programs focus on awareness, skill-building, and creating a culture of respect and consent.

(i) Bystander Intervention Training

  • Teaches participants how to recognize signs of abuse or harm.
  • Provides strategies for safely intervening in situations of potential violence.
  • Encourages community responsibility in preventing violence.

(ii) Consent & Healthy Relationships Education

  • Age-appropriate programming for youth, parents, and educators.
  • Covers topics such as boundaries, communication, and recognizing unhealthy relationships.
  • Promotes mutual respect and safety in relationships.

(iii) Understanding Trauma & Violence Prevention

  • Workshops on the impact of trauma and how individuals can support survivors.
  • Information on recognizing early warning signs of violence and coercion.
  • Strategies for building trauma-informed communities.

(iv) Campus & School-Based Prevention Programs

  • Sexual violence prevention and dating violence awareness workshops for students.
  • Training for teachers, administrators, and school staff on handling disclosures and creating safe school environments.
  • Title IX education for students and faculty on rights and reporting processes.

Who Can Benefit from Prevention Education?

(i) SAOP provides prevention education and training to a variety of groups, including:

  • Students, educators, and school staff
  • Parents and caregivers
  • Community organizations and faith-based groups
  • Healthcare professionals and social service providers
  • Law enforcement, first responders, and legal professionals
  • Workplaces and businesses

(ii) Get Involved in Prevention Efforts:

Preventing violence is a community effort, and we encourage businesses, schools, and individuals to take part in awareness campaigns and prevention programming.

(iii) Contact Us for More Information:

Email: info@saopseoh.org

New Leaf Justice Enterprises

Mar 20, 2025
New Leaf Justice Enterprises

New Leaf Justice Enterprises (NLJE) is a long-term, holistic support program for survivors of trauma, substance misuse, and incarceration in Southeast Ohio. Our program provides safe housing, workforce development, supportive services, and financial empowerment to help individuals and families break cycles of poverty, violence, and displacement.

We believe in economic justice, sustainable employment, and community-driven solutions to ensure survivors not only recover but also thrive.

Our Approach

New Leaf Justice Enterprises follows a structured, multi-step approach to ensure survivors receive the tools, training, and support necessary for long-term success.

(i) Housing & Stability

  • Free, fully furnished housing for up to two years
  • Utilities & internet included
  • On-site trauma-informed case management & recovery support
  • Childcare services for participant families

(ii) Workforce Development & Education

  • Paid employment & on-the-job training at New Leaf Marketplace
  • Career coaching & professional development
  • Continuing education, skill-building, and certification opportunities
  • Resume-building, job shadowing, and internships

(iii) Financial Wellness & Economic Empowerment

  • Six-month financial literacy course
  • Savings programs with a $1,500 savings goal upon program completion
  • Support in securing long-term employment & independent housing
  • Pathways to homeownership & long-term financial stability

To qualify for New Leaf Justice Enterprises, applicants must:

  • Be impacted by trauma, substance misuse, and/or incarceration
  • Be 18 years or older (parents with children are welcome)
  • Be referred by a partner agency (case workers, social service agencies, or legal advocates)
  • Commit to engaging in supportive services, employment, and financial wellness programs

If you are interested in applying to participate in New Leaf Justice Enterprise or are working with someone you think is a good fit, email info@saopseoh.org.

Building a Better Future

By investing in survivors, workforce development, and sustainable housing solutions, we are creating a future where healing, financial stability, and long-term success are possible for everyone.

Legal Advocacy

Mar 20, 2025
Legal Advocacy

The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) provides free, confidential legal advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner and domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Our trained advocates help survivors understand their rights, navigate legal systems, and access resources to seek safety and justice.

  • How Legal Advocates Can Help

    Our Legal Advocates assist survivors with:

    • Protection Orders – Guidance on filing Civil Protection Orders (CPOs), Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs), and Juvenile Protection Orders.
    • Court Accompaniment – Emotional support and advocacy during hearings and legal proceedings.
    • Understanding Your Legal Rights – Assistance in criminal and civil cases, including information on the legal process and survivor rights.
    • Filing Assistance – Help with Victims of Crime Compensation applications and other legal documentation.
    • Title IX & Workplace Protections – Support for survivors experiencing violence in schools or workplaces.
    iage

  • Protection Orders: What You Need to Know

    Types of Protection Orders

    • Civil Protection Orders (CPOs): Long-term legal protection against an abuser (up to 5 years).
    • Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs): Short-term protection issued during a criminal case.
    • Juvenile Protection Orders: Protection for survivors under 18 against a juvenile offender.
    • Workplace & Campus Protections: Assistance with Title IX complaints and workplace safety measures.

    You do not need a lawyer to file a protection order, and our advocates can help guide you through the process.

    iage

  • Title IX & Workplace Protections

    Title IX Advocacy

    If you have experienced sexual violence, harassment, or dating violence in a school setting, our advocates can:

    • Assist with filing a Title IX complaint.
    • Advocate for academic accommodations (classroom changes, assignment extensions, no-contact orders).
    • Provide legal referrals and ongoing support.
    iage

  • Workplace Protections

    Survivors experiencing harassment, stalking, or violence at work may need legal protections. We assist with:

    • Filing workplace harassment complaints (Title VII).
    • Obtaining Civil Protection Orders for workplace safety.
    • Connecting survivors to legal support and advocacy.
    iage

  • Filing Assistance & Victim Compensation

    Survivors may be eligible for financial assistance to cover expenses related to their victimization. Our advocates help with:

    • Crime Victims Compensation – Financial support for medical care, counseling, lost wages, and relocation.
    • VINE Registration – Notification system that provides updates on an offender’s custody status.
    • Legal Referrals – Connecting survivors with attorneys for divorce, custody, immigration, and other legal needs.

    Get Help Now:

    24/7 Crisis Hotline: (740) 591-4266

    Email: info@saopseoh.org

    iage

Hospital Advocacy

Mar 20, 2025
Hospital Advocacy

Experiencing sexual violence, intimate partner and domestic violence, human trafficking, or stalking can be overwhelming. If you need medical care or forensic evidence collection, you do not have to go through it alone. The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) provides free, confidential hospital advocacy to ensure survivors feel supported and informed throughout the medical process.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: 740-591-4266

Our advocates are available 24/7 to provide emotional support and guidance at hospitals and medical facilities.

How Hospital Advocates Can Help

Our trained Hospital Advocates are available to:

  • Accompany Survivors to the Hospital – Whether you visit the hospital immediately after an assault or later for follow-up care, an advocate can meet you there.
  • Explain Your Rights and Options – You have the right to receive medical care, forensic evidence collection (if desired), and advocacy services, whether or not you choose to report to law enforcement.
  • Support You During a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) – If you choose to have forensic evidence collected, an advocate will stay with you throughout the exam to offer support and answer questions.
  • Assist with Follow-Up Care – We help you schedule follow-up medical visits, connect with counseling, and access additional resources.
image

A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) is an optional medical and forensic process conducted by a trained healthcare provider. This exam serves multiple purposes:

  • Ensures your health and well-being by assessing for injuries.
  • Provides emergency contraception and STI prevention, if needed.
  • Collects forensic evidence that may be used later if you choose to report the assault.

You do NOT have to report to law enforcement to receive a SAFE exam. The exam is free, and you will not be billed for forensic services.

Exam Locations:

Athens Child Advocacy Center & Nationwide Children’s Close to Home Center – Specializing in pediatric forensic medical care.

Local hospitals and medical centers throughout Southeast Ohio >

If you have any physical injuries from sexual assault, intimate partner or domestic violence, human trafficking, or another form of violence, seeking medical attention is important for your health and safety.

A hospital advocate can:

  • Help you understand treatment options for injuries.
  • Assist with documentation if you choose to pursue legal action later.
  • Provide emotional support throughout the medical process.

No. You do not have to face this process alone. An advocate can be with you before, during, and after your medical visit to ensure you:

  • Feel heard, supported, and informed.
  • Understand your choices and next steps.
  • Connect to ongoing support after leaving the hospital.
Get Help Now

If you need medical attention or forensic services, our advocates are here to support you.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: (740) 591-4266

Email: info@saopseoh.org

Child Advocacy Center

Mar 20, 2025
Child Advocacy Center

The Athens Child Advocacy Center (CAC) provides trauma-informed, child-focused services for children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence. Our goal is to ensure that children receive support, medical care, and advocacy in a compassionate, safe environment while minimizing additional trauma.
We use a multidisciplinary team approach that brings together medical providers, law enforcement, child protective services, and victim advocates to ensure each child receives the care and resources they need.

How the Child Advocacy Center Helps

  • Forensic Interviews – Conducted by trained professionals to allow children to share their experiences in a child-friendly, non-leading, and trauma-informed manner.
  • Medical Assessments – Specialized pediatric medical exams to ensure children’s health, well-being, and safety.
  • Family Support & Advocacy – Emotional support for non-offending caregivers, crisis intervention, and resource referrals.
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration – A team approach that includes law enforcement, medical professionals, child protective services, and mental health specialists to ensure a comprehensive, child-centered response.
  • Counseling & Follow-Up Support – Referrals to mental health and social services to support healing and recovery.
image

What to Expect at the Athens CAC

(i) Forensic Interviews:

A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a trained professional that allows children to share their experiences in a safe, neutral setting.

  • The interview is recorded to minimize the need for children to repeat their story.
  • Parents and caregivers do not sit in on the interview to ensure the child feels comfortable.
  • The goal is to provide support, validation, and accurate information to assist with any investigations.

(ii) Medical Assessments:

Children may receive a specialized medical exam conducted by trained pediatric professionals at Nationwide Children’s Athens Close to Home Center.

  • Exams are designed to be reassuring, not painful.
  • The provider will check for any injuries, discuss overall health, and address medical concerns.
  • No procedures are conducted without caregiver and child consent.

(iii) Support for Families & Caregivers:

When a child experiences abuse, their caregivers often feel overwhelmed. The Athens CAC provides:

  • Supportive counseling and advocacy for non-offending caregivers.
  • Guidance on next steps, including safety planning and legal options.
  • Connections to counseling, housing, and victim support services.

(iv) How to Prepare Your Child for a CAC Visit:

  • Tell your child they will talk to someone whose job is to help keep kids safe.
  • Reassure them that they are not in trouble and they can tell the truth.
  • Avoid asking leading questions about what happened—let the professionals guide the conversation.
  • Listen if your child wants to talk, but do not press for details.

If you need help with transportation or have any concerns, call the CAC Coordinator at 740-583-4596.

Reporting Child Abuse & Seeking Help

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you should report it as soon as possible.

A Community Commitment to Child Safety

The Athens Child Advocacy Center, in partnership with The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) and The Center for Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, is dedicated to ensuring the safety, health, and healing of children who have experienced abuse or trauma. CAC Coordinator: 740-583-4596

Recent Posts

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories