NCJ Number
95140
Date Published
Unknown
Length
65 pages
Annotation
The development and implementation of a crisis intervention service for rural victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape are described, and guidelines for establishing similar programs are presented.
Abstract
Initially begun as a drop-in center focusing on the needs of displaced farm homemakers, the program was expanded to meet the needs of women in an eight-county area of Iowa. The service now includes a drop-in counseling and referral center, a 24-hour crisis line, and a volunteer network that provides supportive services, safe homes, and transportation for victims. Guidelines for developing a project for victims of domestic violence from initial assessment through evaluation are delineated. The assessment phase requires gathering information, contacting key agencies and organizations, and identifying key issues and the needs of victims. The project coordinator must establish good relations with existing agencies and assure them that services will not be duplicated. In the development phase, information collected during assessment is used to formulate ideas and develop a program design which will meet identified needs. Considerations in this phase also include staffing, volunteer use, budgeting, physical facilities, and public relations. During the implementation phase, continued planning and developing of client services are needed, including development of a client monitoring service, counseling and referral services, client support services, followup, and procedures to be used by volunteers. The final phase requires monitoring and evaluation of both internal issues and external response to the service. A resource guide is provided which includes a variety of project materials, an annotated bibliography, a listing of additional publications and films, and a networking guide.