Domestic Violence Help

At Southern Valley Alliance, we help all those impacted by domestic violence in Carver and Scott counties, including victims, families, organizations and communities. People can experience domestic violence vastly differently depending on their cultural, religious, racial, and gender background. At SVA, we understand the importance of addressing these influences and work with survivors to provide culturally competent services and resources.

We offer the following services to our clients.

Crisis intervention

Southern Valley Alliance’s 24-hour Confidential Crisis Line provides a safe place to call, receive support and ask questions whether you are a victim or a concerned family member or friend. Trained advocates are available to listen and help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 952-873-4214. Meetings at our office are also available by appointment.

>If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

Although Southern Valley Alliance is not a shelter, we partner with Minnesota Day One Crisis Line to help find emergency shelter services for those in need. We can connect victims to Day One or they can be called directly at 1-866-223-1111.

Legal & court advocacy

Southern Valley Alliance partners with law enforcement, attorneys, and other agencies to advocate for and empower survivors through what can sometimes be an overwhelming and confusing court process.

Southern Valley Alliance’s Court Advocacy Program provides:

• Information regarding the court process and how to navigate the civil and criminal justice systems

• Support and accompaniment for survivors to civil and criminal court hearings

• Information and help to apply for Orders for Protection (OFP) or Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO). Protective orders can help keep your partner from physically coming near you, your children, or your family members. Advocates can help assist you with writing and filing for protection orders or you can access the online Minnesota court forms

• Referrals to attorneys, victim assistance providers, and crisis intervention programs

• Free emergency 911 cell phones

Transitional Housing

Through a partnership with the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA), SVA has 4 scattered site transitional housing units. The project is supported by a grant through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

Who Can Apply?

Housing will be offered on a case-by-case basis, depending on our funding and size and availability of apartment units.

To apply, you must be:

• A survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking;

• Homeless or in need of housing because of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking;

• At least 18 years old or a legally emancipated minor

• People who use a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) are welcome to apply for housing. They will not be refused services for this reason.
  

What support services does the program offer?

• Emotional support for you and your children

• Advocacy: help navigating the legal system, landlord referrals, and more

• Safety planning and safety equipment for your home

• Information for school enrollment (for you and your children)

• Support groups

• Housing aid

• Scattered Site: We offer housing in a scattered site model. This means we can offer low-cost housing and electric utility assistance at an apartment owned and operated by the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) for up to 12 months.

• Support and referrals to help you reach your permanent housing goals.

• Support and referrals for transportation, childcare, household furnishings, signing up for public benefits, counseling, and more.

• Check-in meetings

• Follow-up services: You can use these services for at least three months, up to twelve months after you have left Transitional Housing.
  

How to Apply?

Call the SVA 24/7 crisis line at 952-873-4214 and press 1 for more information

Safety planning

A safety plan is a way to problem solve around obstacles to your safety. Advocates can guide and help you tailor it to your unique situation, whether you are still in the relationship, planning to leave or have already left.

Support groups

Southern Valley Alliance offers confidential support groups lead by trained facilitators for those that have experienced intimate partner violence. Facilitators lead the discussion and can offer insight, direction and support. Free onsite childcare is available.

Please contact (952) 873-4214, or email crisis@svamn.org for specific information, meeting times and locations. If you are interested in participating in our next Support Group cycle, please fill out the Interest Form below.

Resources

Advocates can provide a wide range of referrals, such as, legal advocacy, housing, human services, culturally specific services and more. Information is meant to help survivors make informed decisions as they move toward a life without abuse.

Community engagement and training

Together with our program partners and our communities we support victim-survivors and increase awareness to prevent domestic violence within our families and communities. SVA speaks at events, community and professional organizations and businesses.

SVA is a partner and resource in the communities we serve. Through increasing awareness, training and building relationships we can remove the stigma around domestic violence, educate our youth, inform our neighbors and partner with other community groups invested in safety and well-being.