Crisis Services - Rape & Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence & Family Violence Services

Domestic Violence & Family Violence Services

The Advocate Program is a New York State Approved Non-Residential Domestic Violence Service Provider.

We provide services to victims of intimate partner violence, family violence and their families.

Abuse of family members can take many forms. Battering may include:

Emotional abuse
Economic/Financial abuse
Sexual abuse
Using children as leverage
Threats
Using male privilege
Intimidation
Isolation
And a variety of other behaviors used to maintain fear, intimidation and power.

Definitions

Physical Abuse - Inflicting physical pain or injury, or preventing access to medical care or medications. Includes slapping, hair pulling, hitting, stabbing, shooting, spitting, suffocation, punching, kicking etc.

Verbal or Emotional Abuse - Speaking to a person in a demanding or threatening way. This includes name-calling, intimidation, and demeaning. Includes constant criticism, belittling someone’s abilities and competency and other attempts to undermine someone’s self image and sense of self worth.

Financial or Economical Abuse - Unauthorized use or control of money or assets. Includes attempts to make a person completely dependent on the abuser for money and economic survival.

Psychological Abuse - Controlling access to friends, family, school, or work. Forced isolation, intimidation, threats, and blackmail.

Domestic Violence Emergency Services Project (DOVES)

Erie County Medical Center

Since 1996, The Advocate Program has been a partner with Erie County Medical Center working towards routine universal screening of all emergency department patients for domestic violence.
These efforts are monitored through research projects that track patients who are screened for domestic violence, linked to program services and achieve a violence free lifestyle.
This collaboration also ensures updated yearly training for the nurses of Erie County Medical Center. Trainings provide continued education and awareness in the areas of medical response to domestic violence, rape and elder abuse.