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Throughout the history of the AARC we have continued to improve on our
ability to provide safety for victims through the growth of our services
to meet the needs of our clients. The AARC operates the following programs:
 Domestic
Violence Services
Crisis intervention is a necessary step to breaking the cycle of violence
and victimization. Advocates provide emotional support and services to
victims of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse through the following
services: 24-hour crisis intervention; peer support group; community education;
and information and referrals for food, clothing, furniture, medical care,
educational training, financial assistance and social services.
Sexual
Assault Support Program
Sexual assault is NEVER the victim's fault, no matter what the circumstances.
The AARC offers the following confidential service free of charge to victims
of sexual assault: 24-hour crisis intervention and advocacy; emergency
shelter; support group; individual counseling: information and referral;
and educational presentations. (Note: in 1994 the AARC acquired the former
Rape Crisis Center.)
Sexual
Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program was developed to enhance
the services available to victims in this region served through AARC’s
Sexual Assault Support Program. This program is intended to offer victims
of sexual assault compassionate and comprehensive forensic medical examination
services through a Coordinated Community Response Team. This team of professionals
generally includes a registered nurse trained to collect forensic medical
evidence as well as a rape crisis advocate, law enforcement representative
and any other responders that are appropriate. The SANE program is operated
in collaboration with two Bismarck hospitals — St. Alexius Medical
Center and Medcenter One.
Family
Safety Center
Implemented in 1992, the Family Safety Center provides supervised visitation
and exchange services for families where there has been documented, suspected
or elevated risk of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of the child.
It provides a safe and neutral place for parents to visit with children
who have been put in foster care because of abuse and/or neglect
Pam's House
The shelter program has been developed for the women and children who
are the victims of domestic violence. Pam's House is a temporary community
living arrangement that includes a secure environment; 24-hour support
system; case management (budgeting, goal-setting, parenting, nutrition);
assistance with locating permanent housing, legal and medical needs; assistance
for education and employment; activities for children; and support groups
for women and children. Pam's House is constantly in need of many household
items to keep our house neat, clean and well run.
Criminal
Justice Program
Certified domestic violence advocates assist victims experiencing adult
abuse, as defined under NDCC 14-07.1-01, with the Protection Order application,
courtroom advocacy, court room advocacy, providing emotional support during
the protection order hearing, follow-up and referral, assistance with
crime victims compensation, and community education presentations.
Seeds
of Hope
Established in 1995, Seeds of Hope is a retail gift store located at
520 E. Main Avenue in Bismarck, ND. The store features new and used gift
items, household items and some clothing. In addition to raising money
to pay for existing programs, the store serves as an employment and job
training site for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The
women selected for the program are provided the opportunity to develop
their personal and professional lives.
Rural
Outreach and Advocacy Program
Implemented in 2002, this program reaches victims of domestic violence
and sexual assault in the seven-county rural area served by the AARC.
Through the development of Coordinated Community Response Teams in rural
communities, victims have access to all services offered through the AARC
either through the AARC office in Bismarck or directly in their community’s
county seat.
New Awakenings
Apartments
An extension of Pam's House, New Awakenings (est. 1997) provides an independent
living situation for families. The two-bedroom, townhouse apartments sub-lease
from Burleigh County Housing Authority through contracted services. Tenants
receive case management and support group services.
Law Enforcement
Domestic Violence Advocacy Program
Implemented in 1997, the LEDVA program is a collaborative program between
the AARC and the Bismarck and Mandan Police Departments. The LEDVA program
works closely with the law enforcement and the court system to assist
with protection orders. LEDVAs also provide formal and informal training
to police officers on domestic violence and sexual assault issues.
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