Counseling, advocacy, and support group services are available to survivors of domestic violence regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Call the Haven House hotline at (716) 884-6000 to access any of the services outlined below.
Counseling
Survivors of domestic violence often feel afraid, alone, and that they have no one to talk to about what is happening to them. Haven House counselors are here to help. They understand. Counselors meet in person with individuals to explore ways in which they can protect themselves from their abusive partner or family member. They provide education on the dynamics of domestic violence and support to overcome the isolation and negative effects of abuse, and they empower individuals to make decisions that are best for them and their own situation.
Safety plans are developed with each individual seeking help through Haven House. Our counselors work with individuals to identify and remove the obstacles that may be barriers to escaping the abusive relationship such as housing, finances and education. They also identify other community resources that may be helpful to them. Counseling is confidential, and it is offered in safe, unmarked locations throughout Erie County.
Advocacy
Haven House advocates help domestic violence survivors navigate the justice system and understand the legal options available to them to increase their safety, including orders of protection. Advocates ensure survivors can access various courts and are available to accompany them every step of the way through the legal process. They also identify other community resources that might be helpful to survivors looking to rebuild their lives.
Support Groups
Haven House support groups provide the encouragement and inspiration needed to create a life free of violence and deal with the challenges of starting over. Support groups are an antidote to the isolation experienced by most survivors of domestic violence.
Our support groups meet weekly and are facilitated by Haven House counselors. Day and evening groups are available, and groups are held in urban and suburban locations. Groups address a variety of topics such as safety, the dynamics of domestic violence, community resources, assertiveness, self-esteem, working with other professionals such as attorneys, planning for the future, parenting children who witnessed domestic violence, economic empowerment and more.
Economic Empowerment
The Haven House Economic Empowerment Program works with survivors of domestic violence to take steps toward a stable and healthy financial future. Economic abuse is a very common form of domestic violence, making it difficult for survivors to become financially self-sufficient. At Haven House, survivors can meet with an economic empowerment specialist to set their own goals to become stable economically. Meeting in private, individual sessions, our economic empowerment specialists can assist survivors with credit issues, education, training, employment, budgeting, housing and anything else necessary to become financially independent.