Women’s Domestic Violence Shelter & Resources
Domestic Violence Crisis Line
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To speak with an advocate, call the 24-hour crisis hotline at (608) 752-2583 or text (608) 371-9288.
Alternatives to Violence
Alternatives to Violence assists domestic violence victims in crisis with a 33-bed shelter and case management. The emergency women's shelter helps those fleeing domestic abuse. Beds, linens, food, clothing, and personal care items are all provided.
Transitional Housing
Domestic violence transitional housing offers survivors a place to stay for 12-18 months. Survivors in the program work through extensive case management with our staff members. The program helps survivors and their children return to independence.
Alternatives to Violence
Additional services provided to those staying in the shelter as well as community members:
- Legal advocacy: assistance with restraining orders and court appearances
- Safety Planning
- Case Management
- Support Groups
- Child/Youth Recovery Services
- Referrals for additional needs
all services are free of charge.
Are children welcome at the shelter?
Yes, women can bring their children. Many families stay at the shelter, which is equipped with toys, reading nooks, play areas, and a playground.
However, children (under 18) without a parent, cannot stay at the shelter, but staff will help you find another place to stay. Emancipated minors are welcome to stay at the shelter.
will i be safe?
Your safety is our top priority. We have inside and outside security cameras, key fob access restricted areas, and a security gate. Our staff and volunteers will always protect your confidentiality.
what is provided at the shelter?
Food
Personal care items Clothing
Linens (sheets, blankets, towels, pillows)
Laundry facilities and detergent
Diapers, formula, wipes, and other baby needs
how long can i say?
The average stay is 30-60 days; however, you can stay longer depending on your circumstances.
What if the shelter is full?
When/if the shelter is full, staff will help you find another place to stay.
If you need assistance leaving a dangerous, abusive situation, please call the 24-hour crisis hotline at (608) 752-2583 or text (608) 371-9288.
For general information about the program, please use the ‘contact us’ form.
Transitions
Transitions offers a path to domestic violence recovery through case management and support groups with the goal of obtaining permanent housing. As a participant, you’ll be required to contribute time and energy to your recovery. And, of course, Transitions will offer services to help you along the way:
- You will meet with your case manager each week for one hour. Your case manager will assist you in developing and achieving your goals. She acts as an advocate, offers options, makes referrals, provides support, develops crisis plans, and prepares staffing reports.
- You will meet each month with your case manager and the Director of Transitions. This meeting will focus on domestic violence recovery and goal achievement.
- You will be a participant in the weekly women’s group. Each group is topic oriented and is mean to be both healing and life -enriching.
- Your children will be given services and depending on their age, will meet individually with our Child Youth Advocate. You may also meet with her regarding parenting and childcare issues.
Transitions programming is as demanding as it is rewarding, and the requirements for continued participation can initially seem overwhelming. The results, however, can be positively life changing, helping a woman rebuild self-confidence, regain self-respect, and become a role model.
Transitions is not a perfect fit for everyone. It is a program designed for domestic violence survivors who are ready and highly motivated to change their lives.
Here is a list of the eligibility requirements:
- You are homeless.
- You are a survivor of domestic violence.
- You have been separated from your abuser for a minimum of 30 days.
- You are eligible to receive Section 8 housing (no felony charges, etc.).
- You are capable of obtaining electrical service through Alliant Energy in your own name.
- You are not currently in a relationship, and you will commit to not becoming involved in a relationship for the 12 month period of time you in Transitions for Women program.
- You understand that your home is for you and your children and that approved guests are welcome only during special approved circumstances.
- You understand that economic empowerment is a journey that begins with a job. You are currently employed or are committed to being employed or furthering your education while you participate.
- You pride yourself in the example you set for your children by having a home that is drug free, alcohol free, and violence free.
For more information about Transitions, please contact Jessi Campbell at (608) 752-5445 ext. 216 or email Jcampbell@ywcarockco.com .
YWCA Rock County provides skills training, help with resume writing, mock interviews, transportation assistance and other services to help community members and domestic violence survivors achieve economic independence.
Our Empowerment Program is located in downtown Janesville in the Jeffris Flats building that houses both our Transitions program.
Our Address:
318 Dodge Street #6
Janesville, WI 53548
Phone:
(608) 752-5445 ext.246
Our Hours:
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Transportation Assistance (Give a Gal a Lift)
For people in poverty, finding a job is not the only hurdle—there are many barriers that make it almost impossible to keep their job. One of those barriers is transportation.
The YWCA made a commitment to lower this barrier. If a woman is employed, and she earns below the poverty level she can come to the YWCA and get one $25 gas card per month. She must show her current pay stub, which is compared to the poverty level (for example, $19,000 for a mother and two children). Nationally women in poverty have a 63% chance of retaining their employment, and we know these gas cards work because we exceed 65% retention. This is open to anyone living in Rock County living below the poverty line.
The YWCA Rock County offers bus tokens or $25 gas-only cards each month, for those who qualify, to travel to and from work. Check out the income guidelines below.
Employment Assistance
Along with providing transportation assistance, we also provide services to help community members secure employment. Our services include:
Skill Training
Resume writing
Mock Interviews
Job Search
Computer Access
