The Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service offers a safe refuge and support to women and children who survive domestic and sexual violence. Our programs and services inform survivors of their options and support them in their choices. A cornerstone of our philosophy is respect for the survivor's rights including the right to decide whether to report to the police the crime or crimes committed against her. We work with survivors of any race, color, creed, religious belief, or sexual orientation.
Our hotline is available 24 hours a day . . . Our hotline is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, serving callers in English, Spanish, and other languages. We are the only agency in our community that provides crisis intervention and supportive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Nearly 10,000 callers a year seek help from us.
We offer emergency shelter . . . We offer emergency shelter at Winston House around the clock, typically serving between 350 and 500 women and children yearly. In addition to a safe place to stay, we provide crisis counseling, advocacy, and referrals to other community resources.
Crisis Intervention and Support
Survivors receive crisis counseling . . . Survivors of violence can receive crisis counseling on a walk-in basis from MVWCS staff. If a survivor needs long-term counseling, we can refer her to professionals in the community who are experts in survivors' issues. We also offer support groups for women who have been abused (in English and Spanish), and survivors of sexual assault and rape.
Women in Transition
Survivors of domestic violence need . . . Survivors of domestic and sexual violence sometimes need support for an extended time. Our Women in Transition program helps survivors rebuild self-esteem, gain new skills. Program participants live up to two years in the Vietta Helmle Transitional House for Women; while there, she pays affordable rent, receive life-skills training, and maintain a drug- and alcohol-free environment.
9-1-1 Phones Available
MVWCS has 911 emergency cell phones. . . Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service has 911 emergency cell phones available for victims of domestic and sexual violence at no cost. The cell phones are available with chargers for the home, car or both. The phones can only call 911 and only operate within cell phone calling ranges. If a 911 cell phone would be useful for you, call us at (503) 378-1572 or drop by our office during office hours.
Audio Tapes Available The English version of our Domestic Violence and Safety & Protection pages are available on cassette tapes, contact our office. This information is also available online in Windows Media audio format.