Chelsea, VT— Safeline Inc., the local domestic violence and sexual abuse nonprofit organization, has announced receipt of a $6,000 grant from the Couch Family Foundation for the upcoming year. A vital service that Safeline’s advocates provide is in conjunction with the Orange County Special Investigations Unit/Child Advocacy Center. When a child, youth or adult goes for an investigative interview concerning allegations of sexual assault, sexual abuse or serious physical abuse, advocates provide crucial support and referral services for the victim and their family.
The grant will allow advocates to meet with victims and their families to help navigate the multiple systems involved in the investigation process. Advocates provide one-to-one emotional support for support persons while investigators interview a child. The Special Investigations Unit conducts interviews initiated by reports from the police and the Department for Children and Families. Victims and their support persons benefit from the guidance, safety planning and information advocates provide. This allows victims to feel some sense of relief while dealing with many emotions.
“Following sexual violence, victims and their families are often in crisis and need assistance handling their situation on many levels. We are extremely grateful to The Couch Family Foundation for funding the services that help families start to heal,” said Linda Ingold, Safeline, Inc. Executive Director.
For more information about “Special Investigations Support” through Safeline, please call Sue Perreault, Advocate, (802) 685-7900 ext.306.