A Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service office, ADV & SAS, is now staffed Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in C-212.
Questions about domestic violence, sexual assault or volunteer opportunities can be directed to the Prevention Specialist and Medical Advocate who staff the office on Monday and Wednesday, respectively and to an Adult Counselor who staffs the office on Tuesday and Thursday.
Beth Safranek, prevention specialist, said between 15 to 25 people contact the office on campus each month, for information or counseling. Some of the people are students, Safranek said, but others come to IVCC because it is safe.
"They are not labeled; they aren’t just going to a domestic violence place," Safranek said about the campus office. "There are so many reasons people would be out at IVCC. It is important for victims to know they are going to a safe place."
In addition to the campus office, ADV & SAS serves LaSalle and Livingston Counties through offices in Ottawa, Streator and Pontiac. ADV & SAS provides emergency shelter, advocacy services and counseling to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
The staff provides programs to community groups, organizations and businesses designed to help recognize, respond, support and connect victims to the agency and other community resources. Prevention programs are presented to elementary students focusing on safety, and junior and senior high programs focus on positive relationship building.
Court advocates help victims to understand their rights and to access the legal system. Counselors provide supportive counseling, by appointment, at the four sites.
"We just want victims to know it is never their fault, and we’re there to help them in any way they want us to help them," Safranek said. "We support them in whatever decision they happen to make regarding their situation. We give them their options."
All agency services can be accessed at the Ottawa, Streator and Pontiac offices Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or through a 24-hour toll free number, 1-800-892-3375.
Safranek said the agency is looking for volunteers, who would undergo a 40-hour training program. Volunteers could do a number of different things, Safranek said, including going out on call, working at a shelter, participating in prevention education or assisting in a children’s group.
ADV & SAS is currently making plans for Take Back the Night activities to be scheduled sometime in April. The agency will also have a table at the Job Fair in the gymnasium April 20.
The campus office can be reached through campus mail or at ext. 484.