THE BRIDGE

The domestic violence and sexual assault service provider for Dunn and Pepin Counties.

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Free and Confidential Services

 

Bridge offers:

for adults and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual assault in Dunn and Pepin Counties.  

 

Programs at the Bridge include:

ADULT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM

The Bridge offers a variety of services to adult victims of domestic abuse. Victims recently battered or in immediate danger are offered shelter, assistance with petitioning for restraining orders and obtaining representation from Wisconsin Judicare attorneys.  Victims needing shelter are fed, counseled, transported and supported as needed 24-hours.  Victims needing medical care receive assistance in locating care and transportation to medical facilities.  Information is provided on Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation which covers payment of medical and counseling expenses.  Victims needing assistance with supplemental income, job training, obtaining or upgrading employment and coordinating the services of various social service agencies are provided with advocacy in these areas.  Help is offered to obtain housing after leaving the shelter.  Referrals are made to Stout Counseling Services, Dunn County Public Health, Dunn or Pepin County Human Services, West Cap, the Salvation Army, AIDS Resource Center, Arbor Place (AODA treatment), Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Head Start, Dunn County Interfaith Volunteers (food pantry), Family Resource Center, Hmong American Community Association, Literacy Volunteer of America and other community agencies as needed.  On-going services for victims include weekly Adult Support Group.  One-on-one sessions are available by appointment and walk-in.  We continually try to reach out to victims who are unaware of our services.  Follow-up services are available and provided as necessary.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

The Children’s Program at the Bridge addresses the prevention of cross-generation transference of violent behavior and attitudes.  Children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence receive help in processing the experience and help in the healing process.  Children who are victims of sexual abuse or physical abuse are evaluated and referrals are made to Dunn County Human Services and counselors trained in child abuse.  Child clients may receive individual or group support, assertiveness training, social skills training and help to learn how to resolve conflicts in non-violent ways.  Child clients receive assistance in developmental and educational lapses.  Older children may also receive assistance with preparation for employment.  Parents do not need to be clients for children to receive services. Referrals are made to Stout Counseling Services, Dunn County Public Nurses, Dunn or Pepin County Human Services, AIDS Resource Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Head Start, Hmong American Community Association, and other community agencies as needed.  Individualized plans and referrals are developed in connection with client’s school.  Follow-up services are provided as necessary.

 LEGAL ADVOCACY

Legal advocacy services offered by The Bridge include assistance with petitioning for restraining orders, support and assistance for those victims wishing to pursue criminal charges for domestic abuse and sexual offenses, and emotional support during ongoing psychological trauma associated with abusive relationships or sexual assault and subsequent court involvement.  Legal advocates assist clients in determining their needs and priorities.  Legal representation of clients is provided by and within the means of Wisconsin Judicare.  Referrals are made as needed.   Follow-up services provided as necessary.

 PREVENTION PROGRAM

Prevention programming is provided in elementary, middle, high schools and post-secondary schools.  Information on assertiveness, non-violent conflict resolution, preventing and recognizing dating violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault is provided.  Issues surrounding sexually assaultive attitudes and how to reduce involvement in violent relationships are explored.  The basic program presented to University of Wisconsin –Stout and Chippewa Valley Technical College students is appropriating awareness and preventive measures, explaining the cycle of violence, the intentionality of tactics chosen and early recognition of dangerous dating/sexual attitudes.  Students receive information on the confidential services available to them through The Bridge.  Public education forums are held.  In-service education is provided to law enforcement, clergy, medical professionals, divorce mediators, protective service workers and public teachers.  Follow-up services provided as necessary. 

SEXUAL ASSAULT PROGRAM

The Bridge provides intervention and advocacy services to victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse.  Most of our adult victims of domestic abuse have also experienced sexual abuse.  The Bridge has concentrated its prevention efforts on providing information to the student population.  Middle schools, high schools and the University of Wisconsin – Stout students are presented information on date rape, sexual harassment and sexual assault.  In 1999 the Bridge provided a Children’s Chorus where children were provided a place to minimize social isolation while simultaneously receiving education about assertiveness, dealing with bullies, finding a safe place to go when adults are fighting and staying safe when separated from caretakers in a public place.  During 2000 there was an emphasis on men mentoring other males on sexual assault prevention education.  In 2001 medical advocacy was provided and also plans were made to develop a S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nursing Examiner) Forensic evidence collection services to prosecute offenders to begin in 2002.  In spring 2001 The Bridge went into middle schools and high schools at prom time to talk about date rape, the cycle of violence and offered teenagers free key chains with the 24-hour crisis phone number printed on them.  In 2001 The Bridge put more emphasis on adult sexual assault and abuse, with group sessions for victims held once a week.  A group for adults molested or sexually assaulted as children is available.  Our prevention efforts emphasize community education and prevention education.  The Bridge will continue to provide a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual one-on-one sessions, group sessions and advocacy for sexual assault victims of all ages.  Follow-up services provided as needed.

 50+ ABUSE PROGRAM

The Bridge works closely with Dunn and Pepin County Human Services to provide assistance to victims (fifty years old or older) of domestic violence and sexual assault.  The Abuse in Later Life Advocate accompanies caseworkers to victim’s homes in Dunn County when a report of elderly abuse is made.  The advocate provides services for legal and medical issues. Victims recently battered are offered immediate shelter, assistance with petitioning for restraining orders and obtaining representation from Wisconsin Judicare attorneys.  Victims needing shelter are fed, counseled, transported and comforted as needed 24-hours.  Victims needing medical care receive assistance in locating care and, as needed, transportation to medical facilities.  Information is provided on Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation, which provides payment of medical and counseling expenses.  Victims needing assistance with supplemental income, job training, obtaining or upgrading employment and coordinating the services of various social service agencies are provided with advocacy in these areas.  Referrals are made to Stout Counseling Services, Dunn County Public Health, Dunn or Pepin County Human Services, West Cap, the Salvation Army, AIDS Resource Center, Arbor Place (AODA treatment), Dunn County Interfaith Volunteers (food pantry), Family Resource Center, Hmong American Community Association, Literacy Volunteer of America and other community agencies as needed.  On-going services for victims include Adult Support Group, which meets once a week.  One-on-one sessions are available by appointment and walk-in.  Follow-up services provided as needed.

 RESIDENTIAL SHELTER PROGRAM

In 1998 The Bridge opened the shelter facility designed to provide immediate crisis housing for victims of domestic abuse.  Clients can reside in the shelter if they are seeking safety from actual or threatened physical violence, have no financial or kinship network resources to seek safety elsewhere, identify themselves as victims of domestic or sexual assault, and are willing to participate actively in shelter programming which can focus on obtaining housing, child care and financial stability.  Intake to the shelter is provided 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  A normal stay in the shelter is 21 to 30 days, with extensions available based on individual need.  Residents in the shelter are assisted in seeking transitional housing, job training, employment searching, locating child care providers, locating and receiving medical treatment.  Parenting education geared to the needs of single-parent-survivor, and emotional support in the process of grieving are part of services offered.  Residents receive help in building confidence and training in skills to achieve independence.  From 1998 to 2000 only one family could be sheltered in the residence.  Emergency overflow clients were placed in safe-houses or, if deemed appropriate, placed on a waiting list or sent to other local shelters.  In 2001 the emphasis has been to provide residential shelter to more than one family and to recruit more safe houses.  In 2001 additional staff has been hired to provide staffing or on-call 24x7 and to provide shelter for up to three families at a time.  All services are safe and accessible and follow-up services are provided as necessary. 

Volunteers

Staff members and volunteers are cross-trained to serve as shelter caseworkers, victim advocates and crisis-call monitors.  All services are free and available to anyone regardless of gender, age, religion, political philosophy, sexual orientation, or race. All services are confidential, safe and accessible.  For more information on volunteering at the Bridge please call 715-235-9274 or read through our Volunteer page.

Definitions:

24-Hours Crisis Line:  1-800-924-9918   A telephone number that provides immediate access to crisis intervention that includes advocacy, crisis counseling, information and referral.

Follow-Up Services:  A range of services that include referrals and/or information based upon client-presented need.

Advocacy:  Acting on behalf of and in support of victims/survivors of domestic abuse or sexual abuse/assault to ensure their interests are represented and their rights upheld, including legal and medical advocacy.

Support Services and Groups:  This service involves an ongoing process of identifying and providing options, skills development, i.e., coping strategies, relaxation techniques, etc, as well as education, support and guidance.  Groups meet regularly and are safe and accessible.

Community Education and Prevention Education:  Informing the community and increasing awareness and expertise about domestic abuse and sexual abuse/assault issues.

Safe and Accessible Services:  All core services are accessible literally under the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and figuratively throughout the communities they serve.

 

No one deserves to be abused.  1-800-924-9918  We are here to help.  Free & Confidential Services