Services for Victims

All victim services are free and confidential.

CVIC will be with you and your family through the immediate crisis of domestic or sexual violence to your triumphant healing and stability. We offer individualized support for your personal circumstances. Our services support children, teens/young adults and adults who experience:

  • Domestic violence
  • Dating Violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Human trafficking
  • Stalking
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse 

Immediate Safety

When you experience interpersonal violence due to domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking or other interpersonal crime, finding a safe place to go and feeling safe again is a first step.

24/7 crisis intervention

Trained advocates are on-call every hour of every day to be there when you need them. They can support you with:

  • Safety planning
  • Emergency shelter placement
  • Connections to law enforcement and/or medical support, accompanying you if desired

Emergency shelter

At our 36-bed emergency shelter, Mary’s Place, you will find a safe place to stay, allowing you to take the next steps towards a life that is free from violence. While our goal is to help you attain a new, safe permanent home as quickly as possible, we do not limit the time you can stay at our shelter.

Protection and restraining orders

For some, a protection or restraining order may be appropriate. Our trained staff will assist you in applying for a court order that restricts your abuser’s contact with you. We will help you complete the paperwork needed and step you through the process, providing legal and emotional support services.

Long-term Safety & Stability

Legal services

Our staff attorney may represent you in your protective order case, assist you with divorce and/or custody matters,​housing, education, or employment concerns and other civil cases related to ​domestic, dating, or sexual violence/abuse, stalking or human trafficking. ​ Talk with a CVIC advocate for more information or to request a referral.

Self-Sufficiency skills

We will work with you to identify and take steps leading to your financial independence and ability to realize lasting change in your life. Advocates will help you in areas including:

  • Career and Education Counseling: to help you identify goals, complete job applications, apply to school and for financial aid
  • Financial Planning and Assistance: we will help you develop a budget and may provide transitional funding assistance for expenses including childcare, apartment deposits, utilities, rent, and related items

Housing

CVIC may be able to help you secure safe, affordable permanent housing. CVIC’s transitional housing program provides intensive support for up to two years if you have become homeless because of violence or abuse.

Therapy Services

Licensed therapists provide trauma-informed, evidence-based therapies to help you manage distressing thoughts and feelings and help you heal. Support is provided for youth and adults in individual and group therapy sessions.

Learn more about our evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies and/or make a referral here.

Confidentiality

The support you receive from CVIC is held in strictly confidentiality with all documentation secured. You have the choice of what information you share with us. While not required, knowing your age and gender identification helps us connect you to the right advocate.

In some instances, information you provide a staff person is mandated to be reported to authorities (including when there is suspicion of child abuse or neglect or if you are in danger of harming yourself or others).

All are welcome

CVIC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, status with regard to public assistance, physical or mental disability, religious belief, age, country, residence, or perceived or actual carrier of the HIV virus or AIDS.

How to access services:

Reach an advocate immediately anytime day or night through our crisis line: 701-746-8900

Grand Forks
We invite you to walk into our office, located in downtown Grand Forks, during regular office hours: 
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive services and support.

An appointment can be made to meet with an advocate, therapist or other support staff during regular office hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling our office at 701-746-0405.

When getting to our office to meet in person is not possible, we provide phone and/or telehealth support for most services we provide. Please call our office to schedule a virtual meeting.

CVIC’s mobile advocate will travel to communities throughout Grand Forks County to meet with you in a safe location or provide transportation for you to meet at our Grand Forks office. To seek support from our mobile advocate, contact our office. Learn more about our rural services here.

CVIC will provide an interpreter if needed when English is your second language.

Our confidential campus advisor meets at our campus location with students, faculty and staff who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual assault, harassment, and stalking. Visit our CVIC at UND page here.