Our Services

An advocate is a trained professional who provides compassionate support, information, and guidance to individuals affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. At a crisis center, advocates help survivors navigate their options in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. This may include emotional support, safety planning, help accessing shelter or housing, accompaniment to medical exams or court hearings, and connecting individuals with community resources. Advocates empower survivors to make informed choices and ensure they are never alone during their healing journey.

A medical or hospital advocate is a trained professional who provides immediate, in-person support to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault during medical visits or forensic exams (such as a sexual assault exam or SANE exam). They are available 24/7 to offer emotional support, explain medical procedures, answer questions, and help survivors understand their rights and options. Medical advocates ensure survivors are not alone during one of the most vulnerable moments, and help create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment in healthcare settings.

Counseling at a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center provides a safe, confidential space for survivors to begin healing from trauma. It is offered by trained professionals who specialize in working with individuals affected by abuse. Counseling may include:

• Emotional support and validation

• Education about the dynamics of abuse and trauma

• Help identifying and processing feelings such as fear, shame, anger, or grief

• Building coping skills and safety plans

• Setting goals for healing and empowerment

Counseling can be one-on-one, in groups, or tailored for children, teens, or families. It is survivor-centered, meaning the pace and focus are guided by each person’s individual needs and comfort level. The goal is to help survivors reclaim their sense of self, build resilience, and move forward with confidence and support.

Safety planning is a personalized, practical strategy to help individuals reduce the risk of harm and stay safe in situations involving domestic violence, family violence, or sexual assault. It involves thinking through steps to protect oneself in different scenarios—whether preparing to leave an abusive situation, staying in one, or after leaving.

Advocates work with survivors to develop safety plans that are tailored to their specific needs, circumstances, and goals. Safety plans are flexible and can be updated as situations change. Most importantly, they center the survivor’s choices, needs, and safety at every step.

Forensic interviewing is a structured, child-centered process used to gather information from children or vulnerable individuals who may have experienced or witnessed abuse, such as domestic violence or sexual assault.

​

Forensic interviewing helps ensure that children are heard in a way that is respectful, legally sound, and trauma-informed. It plays a vital role in protecting survivors, holding offenders accountable, and beginning the healing process with compassion and care.

While PCI offers a wide range of free and confidential services, we also understand that every survivor’s journey is unique—and sometimes additional resources outside our agency are needed.

When this happens, PCI provides compassionate, client-centered referrals to trusted community partners and service providers.

​

Whether someone is looking for housing, legal support, counseling, or other community resources, PCI is committed to walking alongside them—every step of the way—with dignity, respect, and hope.

A legal advocate is a trained professional who supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as they navigate the legal system. While not an attorney, a legal advocate provides vital assistance such as explaining legal rights and options, helping with protective orders, preparing for court proceedings, and offering emotional support during legal appointments or hearings. They work closely with survivors to ensure their voices are heard, their choices are respected, and they are empowered every step of the way.

Protective order assistance helps individuals understand and navigate the legal process of obtaining a court-issued order that restricts an abuser’s contact or behavior. Advocates provide step-by-step support, including explaining the different types of protective orders, helping complete necessary paperwork, accompanying individuals to court, and ensuring they understand their rights and what the order means. This service empowers survivors to seek safety through the legal system while being supported every step of the way.

Support groups are safe, confidential spaces where individuals affected by domestic violence or sexual assault can connect with others who have had similar experiences. Led by trained facilitators or counselors, these groups offer a nonjudgmental environment for sharing, healing, and growth.

Support groups may focus on emotional healing, building healthy relationships, managing trauma, parenting after abuse, or empowerment. 

Emergency shelter provides immediate, safe, and confidential housing for individuals and families fleeing situations of domestic violence, family violence, or sexual assault. It offers a secure space where survivors can find safety from danger, begin the healing process, and access vital support services.

Shelters are staffed by trained professionals who understand trauma and provide care with compassion and respect. While in shelter, survivors typically receive:

• Basic needs like food, clothing, and hygiene items

• Emotional support and crisis counseling

• Safety planning and risk assessment

• Advocacy and case management

• Referrals to medical, legal, housing, and mental health resources

• Help with long-term housing and independence planning

Emergency shelter is a critical first step for many survivors seeking freedom from abuse. It offers not just a place to stay—but a pathway to safety, stability, and hope.

A child advocate is a trained professional who supports children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of trauma. In a crisis center setting, a child advocate ensures that each child’s unique emotional, physical, and developmental needs are recognized and met in a safe, nurturing environment.

​

Child advocates play a vital role in helping children navigate the trauma of abuse in a way that builds trust, reduces fear, and fosters long-term healing. They are not only a voice for the child—but also a steady presence in moments that feel uncertain or overwhelming.

We believe that prevention is just as important as intervention. Through our outreach and education programs, we work to raise awareness, shift cultural attitudes, and equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize, respond to, and prevent domestic violence, sexual assault, and related forms of abuse.

​

PCI’s outreach efforts focus on meeting people where they are—whether in schools, workplaces, churches, or community events. Our team:

• Hosts booths, presentations, and resource fairs to connect the public with vital information.

• Distributes brochures, safety materials, and contact information for free, confidential services.

• Builds partnerships with local agencies, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to expand access to support.

• Reaches underserved and rural populations to ensure everyone has access to life-saving resources.

Outreach is about visibility, trust-building, and making sure survivors and their loved ones know they are never alone.

​

Our educational initiatives aim to inform and empower individuals of all ages. PCI offers:

• School-based education on topics like healthy relationships, consent, personal boundaries, and bullying prevention.

• Professional training for law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers, and other service providers on trauma-informed response, mandatory reporting, and survivor-centered care.

• Public awareness campaigns during key times of the year (e.g., Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month) to spark dialogue and reduce stigma.

• Workshops and seminars for parents, youth groups, and community leaders on prevention, safety planning, and supporting survivors.

​

Education is prevention. Outreach is connection. Together, they build safer, more informed, and more compassionate communities. Through these efforts, PCI works not only to respond to crisis—but to prevent violence before it begins.