Intervention Services

For most people it’s difficult to ask for help in simple everyday tasks.  But it’s even harder to ask for help when you’re not sure that you want help, or what kind of help you need. SAVE understands, so we listen with an open mind and an open heart, and guide the abuse victim to find the help that is wanted… and the help that is needed.

• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline

• Police Department Advocates (COPS Program)

• Medical Outreach

• Emergency Shelter

• Longer-term Housing

• Temporary Restraining Order Clinics

24-Hour Crisis Hotline     510-794-6055

Our hotline is a gateway to help. Trained and certified domestic violence counselors are available any time of the day or night to offer emotional support, crisis counseling, education on the dynamics of domestic violence, and referral to additional resources. This is also the number to call if you are seeking emergency shelter. The crisis counselor’s main priority is to promote safety, while empowering the caller with options to make about his/her individual situation.

All calls are confidential.

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Police Department Advocates

Our COPS Advocates are another entry to SAVE’s services. Abuse victims will come in contact with a COPS Advocate by: 1) Walking into a police department and asking for help or 2) Receiving a follow-up call from an advocate after a police report. The COPS Advocates work closely with the Domestic Violence Officer and discuss any DV-related calls and police reports.

The advocates provide the same crisis intervention services and resources as our hotline counselors, except it is often face-to-face instead of over the phone. Additionally, they establish an ongoing relationship with individual clients to offer case management services.

The COPS Advocates work at the police departments (Fremont, Hayward, Newark, San Leandro and Union City) and provide annual and ongoing education and training to the police officers.

Medical Outreach

Physical abuse can land a victim in the emergency room or a doctor’s office. The doctors may be able to ease the physical pain, but the emotional pain is another thing. SAVE’s on-call medical outreach counselor will hold a hand, listen to a story, and provide the necessary emotional support to ease the patient’s emotional suffering.  These counselors also connect the victim with the services necessary to rebuild their lives.

Emergency Shelter

Safety, Shelter, Sustenance – the top three necessities of life that most of us take for granted. Yet for a domestic violence victim who is fleeing an abusive partner and in the midst of crisis, these three necessities seem absent. That is – until they call SAVE for help.

SAVE’s 30-bed shelter offers a safe home, for up to 90 days, while individuals and families fleeing abuse begin to heal. The basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing are provided, as well as services and support to get them through this time of crisis. Our shelter is not just a place to sleep, but a complete program that includes counseling, referrals, goal-setting, financial literacy and job-readiness workshops, parenting skills, and problem-solving techniques. We aim to provide the blocks so each person can choose how to build their life with loving relationships and without abuse.

SAVE staff communicate with individuals non-judgmentally, and understand that each individual is unique and must deal with their situation in the way that works best for them. Language and cultural differences are respected and accommodated.

In case our shelter is full or we are unable to accommodate the individual or family, SAVE will attempt to temporarily provide safe shelter at a motel.

Call 510-794-6055 if you need shelter.

Longer-term Housing

WINGS is a transitional housing program that bridges the gap between emergency shelter and independent living for families who are healing from the effects of domestic violence. WINGS has 15 apartments, in a secure complex, where residents pay below-market rent and can stay for a maximum 18-month stay. During their time at WINGS, residents must participate in a goal-oriented case management program that addresses emotional and practical needs, continue individual and group counseling, receive financial literacy and employability training, and look for permanent housing. Many choose to further their education or undertake vocational training during their stay at WINGS. Ultimately, the goal of WINGS is to guide residents toward a self-sufficient independent life.

SAVE clients have access to another housing program that also bridges the gap between emergency shelter and independent living. SAVE is a member agency in the Alameda County McKinney Linkages Collaborative. This collaborative allows SAVE clients to access subsidized housing for abused mothers with children provided they have completed a shelter program and are employed, in an authorized employment development program, or in school. The women live in their own homes and receive continuing support from a SAVE case manager who makes home visits. The subsidy is available for 12-18 months with a goal of helping the women increase their income to a level which enables them to maintain the housing after the subsidy ends.

Temporary Restraining Order Clinics

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) can be an effective tool in preventing further abuse. A TRO is a legal document that orders the batterer to stay a certain distance from the victim, to cease any contact and harassment, to move out of the victim’s home, and to give the victim temporary custody of their children. TRO’s are granted by the court and the victim must clearly request what the TRO should encompass.

SAVE offers free Temporary Restraining Order clinics to guide victims of intimate partner violence through the process of completing a TRO. As this is often a victim’s first point of contact with SAVE, this is also an opportunity to educate the victim about the dynamics of domestic violence, understand his/her unique situation, offer guidance and referrals, and assist with safety planning. Trained staff members work with clients on a first come first serve basis.

Domestic Violence Advocates can be contacted at (510) 818-7662 during Fremont Courthouse office hours, if they are not working with another client, to answer questions.  If the advocate cannot be reached, you may call our crisis hotline at (510) 794-6055.

If you absolutely cannot make the clinic hours you may call the Domestic Violence Advocate (510) 818-7662 to schedule an appointment.

Please remember that any aggressive or abusive behavior towards a SAVE advocate will not be tolerated.  The advocate has the right to refuse service.  SAVE is unable to provide assistance with Civil Harassment Orders.

Clinics are closed for all court holidays.

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