Our Town Charlotte: C.A.R.E.

	Tue, October 24, 2006

Center for
Abuse and
Rape
Emergencies of
Charlotte County, Inc.

Crisis intervention is provided on our hotline 24 hours a day to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crime.

To receive assistance free of charge:

CALL
627-6000
475-6465

P.O. Box 510234, Punta Gorda, Florida 33951-0234

Domestic Violence Program Services:

SHELTER: Free emergency housing for you and your children in a safe, non-violent setting.

HOTLINE: Trained counselors provide crisis intervention, information/referral 24 hours a day. 627-6000, 475-6465

COUNSELING: Confidential counseling for all those affected by domestic abuse and sexual abuse.

ADVOCACY: Professional assistance with legal, social, medical and law enforcement agencies.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Awareness programs and in-service training for civic organizations, interested individuals and professional groups.

Domestic violence is a crime. If you have been hit, pushed, grabbed, punched, held, or attacked in any other unwanted way by you life partner, spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, someone you have a child with, someone you have lived with, or a family member, you are a victim of domestic violence.

If you have been forced to do something sexual that you didn't want to do or if you have been kept from food or medicine or a doctor's care, you are a victim of domestic violence.

It is not your fault. The abuser is responsible. There is someone who will listen and support you and your decisions. There are steps you can take to help end the abuse.

Some actions to consider:

1. Call the police in an emergency or file a report about the violence.

2. Call the domestic violence hotline (627-6000 or 475-6465) to talk, get information or ideas, find a shelter, or make a safety or escape plan.

3. Have the abuser ordered by the court to stay away from you by getting an injunction for protection.

4. See a doctor for injuries (and consider having him/her write down what caused the injuries).

5. Talk to a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone else for support and ask for help.

Rape Crisis Program:

Is designed to assist rape victims and their families. Our purpose is to provide emotional support as well as factual information and advocacy for victims of sexual assault.

Services:

24-hour hotline
Supportive Services
Will meet victim at hospital, police/sheriff's office
Active contact with hospital, law enforcement, and social service agencies, to ensure sensitive and efficient care for sexual assault victims.
Crisis Intervention
Court Advocacy
Emotional Support
Information/Referral
Crimes Compensation information

Support Groups:

Domestic Violence
Self Esteem
Children's Group
Sexual Assault (Teens and Adults)
Call for specific times and places

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ALL PROGRAMS!!!!!!
Call 639-5499 or 475-6465 for information on the next training session.

Victim Assistance Program Services:

24 Hour Hotline: Phone is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for your convenience. 627-6000 or 475-6465
Crisis Intervention: Advocates are available at any time to assist you with your emergency.
Court Advocacy: The court system can be very confusing. An advocate can aid you with this process.
Emotional Support: When you have been the victim of a crime, the trauma can be tragic. C.A.R.E. has trained individuals who will respond to your needs.
Information/Referral: Many times, you may have questions or concerns. C.A.R.E. has a comprehensive resource bank to help you.
Crimes Compensation Information: As a crime victim, you may be eligible for some reimbursement.

CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND

These funds are available to eligible victims of crime. It can pay for medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral expenses and loss of support for victims dependents.

Call:
627-6000
or
475-6465
For more information

The Batterer

Those Who Abuse

Abuse is a learned way of coping with stress and a result of unequal power in family and personal relationships.

If abuse continues, serious emotional, psychological and physical damage, including death, may occur.

Much focus has been placed on treatment of victims with safe houses and shelter. However, it is apparent that in order to be effective in eliminating violence, we must address violence at its source.

The abuser MUST take responsibility for the violent behavior. New and less destructive behavior must be learned.

Call 627-6000 or 475-6465 for more information on programs in your area.

Were You Aware That?:

There is one crime index offense every two seconds in the United States.
There is one murder every twenty one minutes
One forcible rape every five minutes
One robbery every forty six seconds
There is one violent crime every seventeen seconds.
One burglary every ten seconds
One larceny theft every four seconds

Most of us think, "It can't happen to me." Well, it can. The truth is that domestic abuse and rape can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, creed, sexual orientation or financial status....and regardless of what we might or might not do. Assailants strike in a random and senseless pattern with only one constant...97% of all rape victims are young girls and women, 95% of the victims of domestic violence are female.

C.A.R.E. Inc., is supported by:

Office of Victims of Crime, State of Florida, Dept. of Legal Affairs; State of Florida Dept. of Children and Families; Charlotte County; City of Punta Gorda and United Way.