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New Directions |212 N Main St.Mount VernonOH43050 | (740) 397-4357

Domestic & Sexual Violence Resources

Whether victims need assistance forming a safety plan to escape an abuser or are recovering from a sexual assault, New Directions provides experienced, compassionate help along the way. We offer a variety of services for victims to gain the tools they need to become survivors.

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In The Words Of Survivors

I want to remind you that no one deserves abuse. We are all worth more than just taking whatever people dish out to us, no matter how much these people say they love us. If they really love us, they wouldn’t hurt us. Period. - A Survivor

It has been a long, hard road, but with the love and support of my family and friends, New Directions, therapy, and my own strength, I have survived. Not all stories end this well, but it is my hope that the road I walk along becomes the freeway for my sisters who have not yet been set free. - A Survivor

With the help of my family, friends, and New Directions – I am a survivor!… My passionate advice to other victims of rape and abuse is not to let the assailant get away with what he has done to you… No woman ever asks to be raped or abused, and she has the right to say, “NO!” Always believe in yourself, and you will become a survivor too. - A Survivor

Crisis Text/Chat Line

New Directions offers text and web chat capability so that survivors in need can chat directly with an advocate if calling isn’t safe.

24-Hour Hotline
740-397-HELP (4357)

New Directions operates a 24-hour hotline to respond to crisis calls from individuals who have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional assault.

Safety Planning

Advocates help survivors navigate how to stay safe at home, at work, and in public spaces, as well as how to prepare to leave.

Sexual Violence Advocacy

Rape crisis services are available immediately following a sexual assault and also for incidents that occurred in the past. Services are provided regardless of whether there was a report filed with law enforcement.

Danger Assessments

Danger assessment tools are used to assess both a domestic violence offender’s risk of re-offending as well as a victim’s risk of lethal assault.

Emergency Crisis Shelter

New Directions offers safe housing to adults and children fleeing domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Advocacy

Domestic violence advocacy is offered to survivors of domestic violence, including safety planning and support for decision-making. Advocacy is provided both over the phone and in person.

Sexual Assault Advocacy

Youth Advocacy

Youth advocacy is available to youth in and out of shelter who have witnessed violence and/or are the victims of domestic/sexual violence to support their safety and healing.

Legal Advocacy & Court Accompaniment

Legal advocacy is provided to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. An advocate accompanies survivors to arraignments in municipal court and then follows up with them to ensure that they have information as well as support throughout the legal process. An advocate can also accompany survivors to attorney meetings.

Peer-Led Support Groups

New Directions offers peer-led support groups for survivors of violence. Please contact New Directions for more information.

Hospital Accompaniment

As part of our crisis services, an advocate can accompany a victim of domestic or sexual violence to offer emotional support during exams.

Educational Sessions

New Directions offers educational one-on-one sessions about the harm of domestic and sexual violence.

Individual Advocacy

Individual advocacy is offered to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including safety planning and support for decision-making. Advocacy is provided both over the phone and in person.

Civil Protection Order Assistance

Advocates are trained to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence in filing civil protection orders (CPOs).

Connections To Community Resources

Referrals are made to community agencies for help with financial assistance, housing, employment, and mental health, as well as drug and alcohol issues.

Financial Empowerment Program

We use the Allstate Foundation Moving Ahead curriculum. This program is designed to help domestic violence survivors achieve financial independence and rebuild their lives. The curriculum covers budgeting, setting financial goals, managing debt, and improving credit scores.