Domestic Violence Services
Our 60-day emergency domestic violence shelter operates a 24 hours a day, 7 days emergency hotline, with a 65-bed capacity to provide safe housing for men, women, and children of all ages who are fleeing domestic violence. As one of the first shelters in the country to offer services to men, our shelter serves individuals from around the world in crisis.
We offer a range of comprehensive services designed to support survivors in their journey to safety and recovery, including:
- 24-hour hotline and peer counseling
- Emergency food, clothing, and shelter
- Legal support with restraining orders
- Response to law enforcement and hospital emergency calls
- Advocacy, Accompaniment, and CalVCB claims
Every individual who enters our shelter is met with care, respect, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Children Services
Our Children’s Services Program provides essential support for children ranging from infants to 17 years old. Serving hundreds of children each year, this program focuses on fostering growth, stability, and healing during a difficult time. Our dedicated team helps children build skills, develop emotional resilience, and ensure they have the resources to thrive while in our care.
Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF)
Our Domestic Violence Housing First Program provides survivors of domestic violence with safe, permanent housing and ongoing, trauma-informed services tailored to address the individual needs of each survivor that allows them to choose how to best rebuild their lives. The program offers a variety of supportive services, including rent and utilities, children’s needs, transportation, work uniforms, employment-related expenses, and other essential items to support housing stability and survivor safety.
By addressing immediate needs and empowering survivors with the resources they need, we help them build a foundation for long-term security and independence.
Steppin’ Into The Light
Steppin’ into the Light is a Housing First, Low Barrier, Harm Reduction, Crisis Response program that provides safe, client-driven support services and access to a 24-hour transitional residence for people experiencing a housing crisis due to DV/IPV.
The program houses up to eight families and offers case management, supportive services, including transportation, money management, peer counseling, therapy, parenting classes, employment assistance, and referrals, helping clients transition to long-term stability and independence.
Calworks Services
Case Management
Domestic Violence Support Services is an intervention program funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services. We assist individuals affected by domestic violence to regain independence and self-esteem so they can overcome barriers to employment and become self-sufficient. DVSS consists of a series of activities (e.g., legal and case management services) designed to provide the necessary support for DV survivors to achieve the desired outcome of obtaining legal protections, unsubsidized employment and move toward self-sufficiency. We deliver coordinated and comprehensive support services to CalWORKs participants, and their minor children, that lead them to a safer and more stable environment.
We offer a 21-week domestic violence education/support group covering topics like “What is Domestic Violence” and “How Domestic Violence Affects Children.” Additionally, we provide case management services, individual therapy from a licensed marriage and family therapist, and free legal services for qualified clients. Childcare is provided for all appointments and classes.
DVSS Legal Services
Legal Services are offered and provided to CalWORKs participants upon request during their participation in DVSS services. Services include formal legal representation by a Staff Attorney to ensure that participants’ rights are preserved and that issues are resolved with participants’ best interest and safety in mind. We ensure that services assist participants in removing barriers to employment, meeting service plan objectives, and achieving successful outcomes.
We assist with family law issues (divorce, custody, restraining orders), immigration, government benefits, landlord/tenant disputes, and expungements.
Clients must be referred from one of our programs to prioritize access to these free services.
DVSFA Legal Immigration Services
Our DVSFA Legal Immigration services are tailored specifically for the DV Survivor that is not a current CalWORKs recipient, Older DV survivors (those without minor children and/or [without] their children living with them), and the undocumented immigrant population, despite (U-Visa, VAWA) status. We assist with family law and immigration issues (divorce, custody, restraining orders, U-VISA, VAWA).
Kayla’s Place
Kayla’s Place, founded in 2004, is a therapeutic program for children affected by domestic violence. It aims to prevent the cycle of violence by offering services to young victims. In 2009, the program expanded to address all forms of childhood trauma, funded by grants from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CALOES) and community fundraising.
To qualify, the caregiver must have legal custody, and the child must have experienced trauma that qualifies for Victims of Crime services. Filing a claim is encouraged but not required.
The program includes licensed therapists trained in Evidence-Based trauma treatments. Services use modalities like EMDR, individual therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and more for children ages 4 to 17.
Sexual Assault Response Services
SARS is our Cal-OES funded Rape Crisis Center, staffed with certified Sexual Assault Counselors and includes a Prison Rape
Elimination Act (PREA) coordinator, and Sexual Assault Response Team Advocate, all focused on preventing sexual violence and assault.
The SARS team collaborates with Antelope Valley Medical Center offering a 24/7 Rape Crisis hotline, community education, and 1:1 crisis counseling to victims, survivors and family members. Sexual Assault Counselors provide support to victims of sexual and physical violence, with advocates available 24/7; responding to the AVMC emergency room and forensic unit. They advocate and accompany victims through the law enforcement interview, forensic
exams, criminal justice/court and follow-ups, responding to approximately 200 hotline calls annually.
SART reviews cases, policies, and offers prevention education, also supporting the Antelope Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
PREA works with California State Prison Lancaster to address sexual assault, offering counseling, support groups, and trauma-informed materials.
