PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault)

Description

PAVSA provides a range of services at no cost to assist victim-survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones during their healing process. All PAVSA advocates have completed a mandatory 40-hour training, and their role is to share knowledge, offer options, and empower victim-survivors.

Our crisis services include a 24-hour helpline and hospital response. Since 2008, PAVSA has maintained a unique community-based Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program which provides specially-trained nurses to four (4) local hospitals responding to patients. PAVSA advocates accompany survivors during medical forensic exams, assist with filing protective orders and reporting to police and accompany victim-survivors to law enforcement interviews and court hearings. Additionally, our wellness services include counseling, support groups, and trauma-conscious yoga. Licensed professionals provide counseling services at no cost.

PAVSA also recognizes that many victim-survivors may not be able to come to us either through our helpline or in-person services and, since 2019, has expanded our presence within the court system, at drug and alcohol treatment centers, and at correctional facilities. This Project Coordinator conducts professional trainings, community education presentations, and psychoeducational groups to raise awareness about the effects of sexual trauma and PAVSA’s free and confidential services.