This program believes that violence presents itself in many forms and that all forms have destructive effect on not only the victim but the family, community, reservation and society. Violence can affect all aspects of its victims and it can be deadly. The responsibility for the violence lies with the abuser, not the victim. We believe that violence is a learned behavior and as such can be unlearned.
We are here to help the cycle of violence. The Lech Lake Family Violence Program strives to do its best in supporting any person affected by family violence in a respectful, nonjudgmental manner, always seeking the empowerment of each individual in gaining freedom from violence and abuse.
Living in Balance
is the Anishinaabe Way |
If you know someone who is being abused you can help by:
- Believe the person
- Take the abuse seriously
- Not blaming the person on whom the violence was committed
- Realizing the severity and danger of the abuse
- Letting them know that assult is a crime
- Making yourself "safe" and available to the person and their children
- Do not give up on the person or stop giving support
- If you are angry with them or you are hurt by the way you see them being abused, talk to someone about your feelings. Dont blame them for what is happening or leave them to deal with the problem alone.
|
We provide
- Service to domestic violence victims
- Free, confidential help
- Safe, caring environment
- Individual support
- Emergency transportation to safety
- Weekly support group
- Education
- Orders for protection
- Harassment restraining orders
- Referrals
- Legal advocacy
- System advocacy
24 hour notice required for transportation to support group, call us during regular business hours.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants may need to meet eligibility requirements to qualify for certain programs. The requirements may change as determined on an individual basis.
Documents Requested
Documents may be requested as determined on an individual case-by-case basis.
Intake Procedure - Call for more information
Fees - None
Personal Safety Plan
| In Case You Have to Flee, Have the Following Available: |
- Important papers such as birth certificates, social security cards, insurance information, school & health records, welfare & immigration documents, divorce or other court documents
- Credit card, bank account number, and ATM or Debit cards
- Some money
- Medications and prescriptions
- Phone numbers & addresses for family, family, documents, lawyers & community agencies
- Clothing & comfort items for you & your children
|
| If You Are Leaving Your Abuser, Ask Yourself the Following Questions: |
- How and when can you safely leave?
- Where will you go?
- Are you comfortable calling the police if you need them?
- What community & legal resources will help you feel safe? Write down their address & telephone numbers; keep them handy
- Do you know the number of the local shelter?
- What custody & visitation provisions will keep you & your children safe?
- Is a restraining order or order for protection a viable option?
|
If You Are Living Alone,
You May Want To: |
- Change locks on doors & windows
- Install a better system-window bars, locks, better lighting, smoke detectors & fire extinguishers.
- Teach the children to call the police or family & friends if they are snatched
- Talk to schools & childcare providers about who has permission to pick up the children
- Find alawyer knowledgeable about family violence to explore custody, visitation & divorce provisions that protect you & your children
- Obtain a restraining order or order for protection
|
| If You Are Staying With Your Abuser, Think About: |
- What works best to keep you safe in an emergency?
- Who can you call in a crisis?
- If you would call the police if the violence starts again. Can you work out a signal with the children or neighbors to call the police when you need help?
- If you need to flee temporarily, where would you go? Think through several places where you can go in a crisis. Write down the address & phone numbers & keep them with you.
- If you need to flee, know the escape route in advance
|
