Safe+Sound Somerset Inc.

Safe+Sound Somerset provides short-term, emergency shelter in our safe house, also known as Victoria House, to survivors and their children who are seeking confidential refuge from an unsafe, abusive living situation. Located in a quiet setting, Victoria House is a place of healing with five private bedrooms, a comfortable living space and a common kitchen. There's a playroom and fenced-in backyard where your children can play in a secure environment. All basic needs such as food, toiletries and clothing are provided to residents of Victoria's House.

Individual and group counseling helps survivors heal from the trauma of domestic and sexual abuse. In a supportive environment, survivors use healthy coping strategies and relaxation techniques and begin their journey to a new life, free of abuse.

New clients are encouraged to join a supportive listening group. Participants meet for eight weeks to talk about the dynamics of domestic and sexual abuse. Facilitated by one of our advocates, this discussion group covers a variety of topics including power and control, healthy boundaries and warning signs of an abusive relationship.

Children who are sexually abused or witness domestic abuse often develop behavioral issues, learning disabilities and even developmental setbacks. Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are common in these children. They are at higher risk than their peers for alcohol and drug addiction, suicide, becoming abusive and being abused. Our youth programs are designed to help children greatly reduce these risks and to break the cycle of violence.

Our youth counselors are highly trained in a variety of proven methods to help these children heal, build coping skills, express feelings appropriately and explore healthy relationships. Creative arts, music, play and verbal therapies are applied in a safe setting to individuals and age appropriate groups.

Our advocates work with individual parents and facilitate parenting groups to help them address their children's needs. Topics include guilt, fear, trust, safety and discipline.

Family therapy is offered to families in crisis who want to learn how to cope with issues together. It can help change family dynamics, heal relationships, build trust and improve communication between parents and children.

Safe+Sound Somerset is proud of its highly dedicated and qualified team of diverse professionals and volunteers.

Front line staff consists of case managers and advocates. Case managers and advocates are hired with Bachelor's degrees from a variety of fields. Counselors have Master's degrees in counseling, social work or related areas. We seek staff with backgrounds in crisis intervention and sensitivity to domestic abuse issues. All staff must complete a minimum of 60 hours of specialized domestic and sexual violence training before working with clients, and participate in ongoing individual and group supervision and in-service training.

Volunteers are an integral part of Safe+Sound Somerset, contributing time and talent to enhanced client services and raising community awareness. We offer numerous volunteer opportunities to suit the needs of those who want to help:

Legal Advocates – Guide clients through the complicated legal system
Helpline Advocates – Answer 24-hour emergency hotline calls and texts
Domestic Violence Response Team – Work with police to assist victims in the midst of crisis
Community Educators – Make presentations about domestic abuse
Childcare – Supervise children while parents are in counseling
Youth Programs Assistants – Read to children, teach music, chaperone field trips, assist with arts & crafts, cook with youth in shelter.
Food Shoppers – Supply our safe house with groceries and other amenities (using our account)
Office Support – Help staff with general office work such as copying and preparing mailings
Fundraising Support – Lead or participate in committees to create and implement successful events, appeals and campaigns to fund programs for survivors
Event Planners - organize and implement activities such as our annual Candlelight Vigil to increase awareness surrounding domestic abuse & teen dating violence

Safe+Sound Somerset needs to move to a central location within the County to make our services more convenient to clients.