AWARE offers a variety of support, safety and solutions. These services are offered to victims of domestic and sexual violence regardless of age, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, class, education, economic status or HIV status.
AWARE SERVICES
Emergency Response
The Emergency Response Advocate (ERA) helps victims by responding to hotline calls for emergency accompaniment at all Emergency Departments in Mercer County and police calls for assistance.
The advocate can help a victim access emergency protection orders, and help transport a victim/family to emergency housing.
24/7 Hotline
Crisis response, support and advocacy, and information and referral for victims, family and friends. Access by phone toll free.
All services are also available via emergency chat in the bottom right of your screen.
Direct messaging via Facebook (mercerawareinc)
Direct messaging via Instagram (mercercountyawareinc)
Individual Advocacy
A victim or a concerned family member or friend can talk with an advocate in person, at a safe, satellite location in Mercer County, by phone appointment or through online technology. Safe on-line platforms are available as well as the chat function on the website.
Support Groups
Structured and peer support groups are offered throughout Mercer County for people impacted by sexual and domestic violence. Due to the on-going impact of the Covid pandemic, congregant support groups in the community remain suspended.
Emergency Housing
PAWS
The first pet shelter opened with a domestic violence housing program in Pennsylvania. Some victims are reluctant to seek emergency housing for fear of retribution against their pets. PAWS can help protect pets too! This program helps a victim needing emergency housing along with the furry family members—or feathers or Pete the goldfish.
Youth Services Program
For male and female victims under (18) years of age. Degreed professionals, the advocate provides individual advocacy, facilitates support groups, provides accompaniment to Mercer Child Advocacy Center and civil or criminal court appearances and activities. Services are offered on school campuses, at safe, neutral locations in Mercer County, at AWARE program sites, and through technology platforms.
Legal Advocacy Program
A range of services are available through the AWARE Legal Advocacy office located in Mercer. Victims are helped by a team of Legal Advocates, Court Navigators and Criminal Investigators to secure different civil protection orders. Legal Advocates can accompany a victim to interviews with a police officer or criminal investigator, or a prosecutor. Court accompaniment and advocacy for victims of all ages provided through preliminary hearings to criminal court appearances.