Not just a shelter....
The
Diane Peppler Resource Center, in addition to emergency intervention,
offers help dealing with the long term impact of domestic violence and
sexual assault. Two of the programs which address these needs are the
counseling program, and the Legal Advocacy program.
Counselling at the DPRC
The Diane Peppler Resource Center offers comprehensive counseling services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce Counties. The counseling staff at the Center provides individual and goupr counseling services. The Center also offers support groups for survivors of domestic violence, rape, stalking, sexual assault, and incest/molestation.
A survivor may not be aware of his / her rights and the resources that are available to them in their local community. The Center has a promary goal of safety for victims / survivors. The counseling staff at the shelter also provide prevention / education to the local community, and is committed to providing culturally competent services focusing on, but not limed to, individuals (male and female) and families who have experienced abuse and violence.
Legal Advocacy
The Diane Peppler Resource Center provides legal advocacy in all three counties. The legal advocate works closely with the Police departments and the County Prosecutor's Office to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. When an assault is reported, the legal advocate is contacted by the police department involved and/or the prosecutor's office. the advocate then contacts the victim, explains the program to him / her and offers assistance.
This may
be the first contact a victim has with the Diane Peppler Resource Center.
The Legal Advocate offers help with legal issues ranging from attending
court, including attending court with the victim, to helping with filing
a Personal Protection Order (sometimes called a restraining order). the
Legal Advocate attend all of the domestic violence and sexual assault
court hearing in their county to keep abreast of the case, in order to
be up-to-date if the victim requests assistance or has any questions.