Empathy and Empowerment

Counceling helps victims understand what has happened to them, and that they are not to blame for what someone else has done to hurt them. Counseling helps survivors explore their options, plan for their safety, feel better about themselves, and take control over their lives. Individual and group counseling is available for victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and elder abuse. Group support is especially helpful to break the isolation of abuse and to learn from others with similar experiences.

Counseling is available for victims of all ages (see Children's Program for services to children under 13). Group counseling may be clustered around common age groups or issues, including groups for teens, women over 50, rape survivors, Spanish speaking women, or adult survivors of child sex abuse. Sign language interpreters are provided when needed. GLBT survivors welcome. Spanish/English bilingual services. (Wheelchair Accessible)

Some of the special programs within the counseling department include:

• Elder Abuse: Counselors in this program provide assistance to older women or men who are victims of physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, sexual abuse, or other crimes within the home or at the hands of relatives or care takers.
• Domestic Violence and Child Abuse: Often partner abuse and child abuse or neglect go hand in hand. It is difficult for a mother to protect her children when she, too, is abused. VIBS works with Child Protective Services to advocate that the non-abusive parent is safe and not blamed.

• Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse: Special groups are available for victims who are in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse.