PROJECT SAFE SHELTER
Wiconi Wawokiya has been the impetus for social change in our community and surrounding rural communities.
In 1995, the organization opened its own shelter for victims of domestic violence. Prior to that time, the only form of shelter was office space and two bedrooms.
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The new facility currently has the capacity to provide shelter for 12 to 14 people, including children. Victims from both the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Reservations seek refuge here.
The shelter environment is like a home and provides safety in its location on the reservation so victims do not have to leave their jobs, have their children change schools, or be removed from their extended families when seeking support.
Wiconi Wawokiya has developed a complex of buildings that provide services for adults and children, including a storage area for donated clothing and household items that victims may need to start their lives over.
Wiconi Wawokiya, Inc. is listed as one of the top Domestic Violence programs and was featured in the 2004 U. S. Department of Justice publication titled Promising Practices in Indian Country.
THE HARD TRUTH
60%
HAVEN'T REPORTED TO THE POLICE
30%
ARE VICTIMS DOMESTIC ABUSE
7%
DON'T TELL ANYONE ABOUT IT
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Education/Prevention
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On call- Confidential Victim's Advocacy
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Safe Shelter
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Community Action to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
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Crisis Hotline
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Crisis Counseling
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Medical advocacy (such as taking women for rape exam and medical appointments)
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Emergency legal advocacy (assist with filling out protection orders, filing orders)
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Criminal justice advocacy (assist with speaking on behalf of victim with law enforcement)
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Transportation
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Support groups for women and children
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Personal advocacy
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​Emergency financial (such as food, clothing, personal hygiene)
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Information/referrals (information on resources and referrals to other shelters or service providers)
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Follow-up support
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​Assistance in victim compensation forms
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Assistance with obtaining GED, ID's
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WHO WE SERVE
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Project Safe Shelter serves Buffalo, Brule, Lyman, Hyde, Hughes counties. We also take referrals from other shelters throughout the State of South Dakota.
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Females and males in search of safety who are victims of:
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Domestic violence
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Sexual assault
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Family violence
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Child sexual and physical abuse
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Human trafficking
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