LI Against Domestic Violence

Our Precinct Advocacy Program places an advocate in all seven Suffolk County Police Department Precincts and makes vital victim services available immediately following a violent incident. This is a critical time when interventions make a huge difference in ensuring the safety of the victim and any children and securing legal protections. Our Court Advocates are available to accompany victims in Family, District and Supreme Court. They provide support and direct assistance in obtaining orders of protection. Advocates working in the Court and the Precincts: educate victims about the dynamics of an abusive relationship, explain what to expect if a police report is filed, go over the options available under the law, including orders of protection, assist in safety assessment and development of a safety plan, link clients with shelter services as well as other community resources.

Survivors of abusive relationships can benefit from the support of trained counselors to identify and deal with their emotions and gain healthy coping tools. Our licensed staff provide counseling in a supportive environment to improve the safety and emotional well-being of victims and their children. Our staff works with clients to reduce the traumatic impact of past events, and to reduce exposure to violence for children. Our Counseling Program offers individuals and group counseling modalities for adults and children affected by domestic violence.

The Safe Harbor Shelter provides a safe haven exclusively for victims and their children who are fleeing their homes to escape domestic violence and have limited or no other safe option. Safety is the shelter's first priority. As soon as an individual or family enters, our staff work to secure their emotional and physical safety and provide comprehensive support services with the goal of permanent housing and healing. Services provided at Safe Harbor Shelter include: individual and group counseling for adults and children, legal advocacy if the resident wishes to petition the courts for an Order of Protection or child custody, help with requesting financial assistance from the Department of Social Services, housing advocacy, parenting skills workshops, and linkage to many other resources to meet the families or individuals needs.