Advocacy & Action Lackawanna

Lackawanna County Program Services

FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services offered regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, marital status, age, country of origin, and mental and physical ability.

WRC operates an Advocacy and Action Program to specifically respond to individual survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and to advocate on behalf of all survivors.

The program is accessible to adults, children and teens. Activities relate to the age and abilities of the survivor and their significant other(s).

The program addresses the violence witnessed by and perpetrated upon children and teens.

Advocates partner with program participants by mutually educating, advocating, strategically planning, and taking action.

Services meet the underlying goals of justice, autonomy, restoration, and safety for survivors.

Crisis Response, Support and Advocacy-
Access to an advocate 24 hours a day by telephone, and during weekday business hours in-person. Participants assess and plan with an advocate for their immediate needs and those of their children related to safety, health, money, food, housing, and legal issues. Advocates accompany survivors to legal proceedings, medical appointments, police interviews, and other appointments as requested. Priority lies with safety of all participants, and immediate and future plans to respond to actual or threatened domestic and/or sexual violence.
Safe House-
Safe housing in a confidential location for program participants who are in immediate danger or in a potentially lethal situation due to domestic and/or sexual violence. A temporary communal living residence in an environment of safety and non-violence.
Civil Legal Assistance-
The Barbara J. Hart Justice Center is a civil legal assistance project of the WRC. Advocates, attorneys, and legal staff provide civil legal assistance, consultation, legal rights information, referrals, accompaniment, preparation for hearings, and representation to address the range of legal needs of WRC program participants. Referrals come from the WRC Advocacy and Action Program exclusively.
Community Outreach-
Building relationships and connections within the community that support autonomy and restorative justice is the focus of community outreach efforts by participants and advocates. Efforts seek to build leadership and organizing skills. The efforts may include community events, meetings, resource exchange, and social change activities based in the community.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

Support Groups and Women's Meetings-
Individuals gather for support, to share information and experiences, and to organize events and advocacy efforts. The meetings and groups are open to adult and teen survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. Children's groups are offered in conjunction with adult support groups. Childcare is available for some of the group meetings. Contact WRC for current information.
Womensong-
The WRC newsletter is published to provide updates on legislation, WRC fundraisers, group meetings, and news items. Contact WRC to sign up for the newsletter for a minimal membership cost. See About Us.
April- National Sexual Assault Awareness Month-
WRC organizes community events and publicity around the impact of sexual violence. Survivors of abuse and assault are encouraged to participate in the planning. To get involved contact the Community Action Program director.
October- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month-
WRC organizes community events around the impact of domestic violence on the community, families, and individuals. Survivors of abuse and assault are encouraged to participate in the organizing. To get involved, contact the Community Action Program director.