Our Programs & Services
The mission of the YWCA Domestic Violence Department, Support Network Program is to empower our diverse community to live free from domestic violence through the provision of safety, support services and self-empowerment.
About our services:
- All services are confidential.
- Services are for individuals and families; adults, teens and children experiencing, exposed to, or recovering from domestic violence.
- We offer services whether an individual is still in a relationship with a partner who is abusive, is in the process of leaving, or is no longer in the relationship.
- Our services are provided in English and Spanish. Some services may be provided in other languages if interpreters are available.
- Alll services are free or lost cost. Therapy services are provided on a sliding scale.
- An appointment is required for most services; some services are available on a walk-in basis.
- Most services are provided at our downtown San Jose office location. Several services are provided at various locations within Santa Clara County, including a small office in Sunnyvale (appointment required).
- Services are provided by professionally trained employees, interns and volunteers. They are collaborative, supportive and skill-based to address the psychological, social, physical and emotional effects of trauma and violence.
- Every effort is made to provide services that are sensitive to the culture of everyone in our diverse community.
Services provided through these Programs:
- Crisis Program
- Counseling & Therapy Program
- Emergency Shelter Program
- La Familia Program
- Legal Advocacy Program
- Victim Advocacy Project
- Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative
Prevention, intervention and support services:
- Crisis counseling in person, and by telephone on our toll-free 24-hour, bilingual Spanish/English Crisis Line to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions in their own best interest.
- Safety planning to help individuals and families identify threats to their personal safety and ways to stay and feel safer.
- Support in finding emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. For women, transgender women, and their children options may include our confidential apartment-style emergency shelter services.
- Case management services to meet an individual’s or family’s comprehensive needs through assessment, planning, facilitation, evaluation, advocacy and care coordination activities.
- Legal information and assistance in filing for Domestic Violence
Restraining Orders. - Accompaniment to family and criminal courts.
- Assistance with immigration issues including U-Visas.
- Individual, family and group therapy to address the long-term effects of domestic violence and promote healing and empowerment.
- Support Groups for individuals to gain strength and develop supportive bonds by sharing personal stories and learning with one another.
- Children’s Activity Groups to provide a safe place for children to play and participate in games, art, and guided activities, and to talk with peers about friendships, families, violence, anger, grief, loss, and self-esteem.
- Life skills development and self-sufficiency workshops to empower individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.
- Information and education about child support, child custody, divorce, immigration, housing, mental health, and more. Referrals to programs and services that provide support and resources in these areas.
- Advocacy with the District Attorney’s Office, Police Departments, Adult Probation Department, Social Services, Court Systems; federal, state and local government; faith communities, educational institutions; corporations, and community agencies.
- Education and information about the dynamics of domestic violence, including the cycle of violence, power and control, forms of abuse, not blaming the victim, self-advocacy, and more.
- Community outreach and education about human trafficking and the services available for victims in Santa Clara County.