Aid to Victims of Violence

Hotline

(607) 756-6363

24/7 confidential crisis hotline with advocates trained to provide support and help navigate options.

Safe Dwelling

Emergency safe housing for those actively fleeing from domestic violence or sex trafficking as well as their children. We provide all basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. We can house male victims and do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, or ethnicity. 

Housing requires a face-to-face screening with an advocate either at our office or at the police station. We cannot house individuals due to complications with a landlord or neighbors, and we cannot house perpetrators of current clients. 

Accompaniment

The presence of a trained crisis worker for a client at hospitals, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s offices, courts, and other locations as needed.

Legal Referrals

Advocates provide referrals to victims for orders of protection, custody petitions, and more. Referrals may include the family court clerk, private attorneys, legal aid services, public defender’s office, police department, etc.

We typically assist with filing family offense petitions through family court. This is an order of protection. We also assist clients with completing many other documents like custody, child support, etc., through the family court. An advocate helps complete all the paperwork with the client, ensures that it gets submitted, and discusses the process with them.

We provide individuals with resources and options to help them navigate their situation so they can make informed choices on how to proceed. We will never insist on someone taking any particular action and will only assist with what they are comfortable with.

Please note that we cannot assist with orders of protection if you do not have either a familial relation or current/former romantic partnership.

Crime Victims Compensation Assistance

New York State Office of Victim Services offers compensation to help crime victims recover some of the financial losses resulting from a crime. Benefits may include:

• Medical expenses not covered by insurance
• Loss of earnings
• Counseling expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Cost of repair/replacement of essential personal property that was damaged/destroyed because of a crime

Our advocates are here to help victims of any crime with compensation applications.

Counseling

Ongoing supportive lay counseling provided by advocates either over the phone or in person as a victim moves through the healing process.

Support Groups

Monthly Domestic Violence Survivor Group

Our monthly group is open to the public with no registration required! Connect and heal with others in a judgment-free space.

3rd Monday of the month
5:00-6:00pm
YWCA Cortland Osborn Room

For more information, contact dmurray@cortlandywca.org.

Power of Change

Power of Change is an educational and empowerment-based group designed for individuals who have experienced domestic violence and relationship abuse. This 8-week program, held biannually, provides participants with a safe and supportive space to explore the dynamics of abuse, understand the impact of violence on individuals and families, and build skills that support healing, safety, and personal growth.

Topics may include recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns, understanding power and control, the impact of trauma, effects of violence on children and families, healthy coping skills, self-esteem and empowerment, boundaries, safety planning, and building healthy relationships. Participants are encouraged to connect with others who have had similar experiences while gaining tools and support to move forward in their healing journey.

The group is survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and focused on helping participants recognize strengths, explore options, and increase confidence and self-determination. Please call us if you're interested in participating.

Safe Dwelling

Emergency safe housing for those actively fleeing from domestic violence or sex trafficking as well as their children. We provide all basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. We can house male victims and do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, or ethnicity.

Housing requires a face-to-face screening with an advocate either at our office or at the police station. We cannot house individuals due to complications with a landlord or neighbors, and we cannot house perpetrators of current clients.

Grace Brown House

Grace Brown House is a supportive housing residence named in honor of Grace Brown, a Cortland resident who was tragically murdered by her partner in 1906. The residence contains 25 apartments where women domestic violence survivors and their children can start to recover and plan for the next chapter of their lives. Apartments are fully furnished, including household essentials like cookware and linens, and residents can take everything with them when they leave.

Beyond material support, Aid to Victims of Violence offers a number of services to Grace Brown House residents. A case manager helps with creating individual safety plans and setting goals, and a therapist comes on-site once a week to provide one-on-one mental health support. Our program coordinator brings in a wide range of programming depending on the needs of the current residents, from nutrition and cooking lessons to self-defense.

To join the waitlist, please fill out the documents below and email them to jsmith@cortlandywca.org.

Background Screening

Pre-Qualification

Application

Prevention education is key to ending the cycle of abuse. Aid to Victims of Violence works with a variety of organizations to educate all age groups about the various forms of domestic abuse, how to stay safe and get help, and how to support people experiencing abuse.

Reach out below if you’d like us to come to your organization! We can tailor our presentations to meet the needs of your audience. We also have printed informational materials available on request.