Advocacy + Support Services

24-Hour Crisis Helpline + Crisis Intervention

Our trained staff and advocates are available 24/7 to answer questions, listen, provide feedback, and (if desired) respond in-person to emergencies. All calls are free and fully confidential. Helpline callers may remain anonymous.

Emergency Shelter

Safe, temporary and confidential safehousing is available for survivors of violence and their children facing an imminent risk to their safety. Emergency financial assistance is available for those escaping dangerous situations.

Personal Safety + Advocacy

Available to help individuals meet basic needs, such as food, clothing, medical care, transportation and translation services. While in safehousing or fleeing to safety, we provide client-led safety planning, including window/door/lock services. Advocates can also accompany clients to medical care and court hearings.

Therapy + Legal Services

Therapy referrals for survivors and witnesses to domestic and sexual violence, and financial assistance for therapy when funding allows, including short- and long-term therapy and occasional support groups. SMRC advocates can provide legal advocacy services, such as: assistance with victim compensation applications, legal referrals, and interview & court accompaniment for qualifying survivors.

What to Expect When You Reach Out to SMRC

Every contact to San Miguel Resource Center is personal. Some people who reach out to us identify as survivors of abuse, some as concerned friends or family members. While every contact is unique, our advocates are guided by SMRC’s in-depth training.

Information, Referrals, Practical Assistance

After getting a sense of your situation, an advocate might provide information about the dynamics of domestic violence, the definition of sexual assault, or the impact of trauma on well-being. Initial calls to SMRC will involve working with an advocate to ensure you are safe, feel validated, and are prepared for whatever your next steps might be.

You might be asked:

  • If you are currently safe and if you would like help with developing a comprehensive safety plan.

  • If you need help scheduling a SANE exam, or making a report to law enforcement.

  • If you need referrals for specific supports in the community such as relocation, legal and therapy assistance.

Advocate Follow-Up

You can expect our helpline advocates to ask if you would be interested in meeting with a staff advocate in-person at one of our offices.

You will be asked:

  • If we can set up a time for an in-office meeting with an advocate.

  • Where you live, in order to connect you with an advocate who works in the office most convenient for you.

  • If a staff advocate can call you to check in and whether it is safe to leave a message if you don’t answer.

Privacy + Confidentiality

All of our services are confidential, and helpline calls can be anonymous if you do not wish to provide your name. We recognize the importance of maintaining anonymity in a small town.