Services & Programming
Staff are available to provide advocacy services 24/7 to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Embrace is also a resource for survivors’ families, friends, partners, and community members who want to learn about providing support. Youth and teens have the right to receive confidential services from an advocate without needing parent permission.
On-call advocates are available 24/7 if you are in need of immediate assistance via Embrace’s 24/7 helpline. You can call 800-924-0556 for free and confidential support. If you would like to remain anonymous, you do not have to give your name. We are here to listen, provide emotional support, talk about your options, and let you know about the resources available to you.
You have a right to an interpreter at no cost to you! Interpreters are available 24/7 for all Embrace advocacy services.
Personal Advocacy & Crisis Counseling
Staff provide advocacy, crisis counseling, and safety planning that empower survivors with information and options. Embrace creates a safe space where survivors can feel, share, and be heard without being judged. Services are tailored to each person promoting self-awareness, healing, and an understanding of the impact of trauma.
Legal Advocacy & Accompaniment
Embrace works with survivors to help them understand their rights if they choose to seek safety and healing in the civil and criminal court systems. We understand policing and legal systems do not create safety and accountability for all survivors equally, especially survivors who are Queer, Transgender, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Advocacy services are confidential and separate from these systems, and Embrace knows healing and justice is unique to each survivor. You can visit Embrace’s Fact Sheet web page to learn more.
Court Hearings - preparation and support
No Contact Drops - to discuss your safety and rights as a survivor in the criminal legal system
Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and Forensic Interview Accompaniment
Judicare: Judicare is Wisconsin’s low-income legal assistance program which can provide legal representation for eligible residents. Applications for Judicare assistance are available here or from an Embrace advocate.
*Embrace advocates are not attorneys and therefore cannot offer any direct legal advice or representation.
Medical Advocacy & Accompaniment
Embrace advocates can respond in person 24/7 to clinics, hospitals, and community-based locations. Advocates seek to expand choice for survivors of violence. Survivors have the right to have an advocate accompany and support them at every step. Advocates can provide:
Emotional support
All Options Counseling - non-judgmental options aimed to empower survivors in regaining a sense of control, establishing safety, and beginning their journey of healing
Community Outreach & Prevention Education
Embrace is available to present on topics related to gender-based violence for businesses, organizations, school classes, and other community groups.
Prevention Education – presentations and discussions for all ages offered at a developmentally appropriate level on topics like consent, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships
In-Service Training – training about how to support survivors who disclose violence
Community Awareness – activities at community events
Community Referrals & Systems Advocacy
Embrace offers information and connects survivors to other resources while ensuring a survivor’s voice and needs are heard. Embrace attends a variety of community-based team meetings, offers education, and encourages agencies to take a trauma-informed and survivor-led approach in serving all people.
Support Groups
Embrace advocates facilitate regular, interactive groups and events for survivors who have experienced violence. These groups help survivors realize they are not alone and offer a peer environment to build connections and support healing. Family, friends, partners, and other support people are welcome to attend. Support groups include:
Seeking Safety, an evidence-based program held individually or in groups to help people understand and heal from co-occurring trauma and substance use
Youth Groups - available in schools, groups focus on healthy relationships, self-esteem, positive coping, and effective communication
Jail Groups
Yoga in the Park
Housing Advocacy
Housing advocacy services are available to support survivors. Embrace is dedicated to empowering survivors throughout the housing process, including navigating the housing system and accessing resources needed to secure safe and stable housing. Guided by the Housing First model, our advocates collaborate with housing partners across the state to ensure survivors have access to the support and resources needed to find permanent housing.
Safe Shelter
Safe shelter is available. Separate bedrooms and bathrooms give survivors, regardless of their gender identity, privacy and time they need to heal. The shelter is pet-friendly and accessible. Scattered-site safe housing options are also available.
Wondering what our SHELTER space looks like? Check out The Video Tour below!
Other Programs
Harm Reduction Vending Machines - Narcan, syringes, contraception, and other harm-reduction supplies are available 24/7 at Rusk and Price Office locations
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Embrace advocates respond to and support sexual assault survivors in local jails and prisons
Childcare Assistance - provided by request during Embrace advocacy appointments
Mobile Advocacy - meeting with survivors in a safe location that is comfortable and convenient for them
Transportation Assistance
Flexible Financial Assistance Program - financial resources for survivors to achieve safety and housing stability
