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If you or someone you know needs help call 888-981-1457 24/7.

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

Emergency housing for victims of domestic and sexual violence is offered regionally. Program sites are located in Greenville, Grove City and the Shenango Valley.

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.

Community Collaborations

SART

A team consisting of forensic trained nurse, AWARE advocate and responding police officer providing compassionate care for adult victims of sexual assault and domestic violence through Emergency Departments at Grove City Medical Center, UPMC-Horizon (Farrell and Greenville) and Sharon Regional Health Service 24/7.

Child Sexual Assault

A multi-system collaboration includes AWARE, the Mercer County Child Advocacy Center, Children and Youth Services, and other member agencies of the MDIT.

Elder Victim Advocacy

A successful and recognized response to victims of elder abuse, including domestic and sexual violence. AWARE and the Mercer County Area Agency on Aging have worked in partnership to serve seniors and senior-serving organizations for over a decade.

PREA

Prison Rape Elimination Act is a Federal law. AWARE works with adult incarceration facilities and youth incarceration residential facilities in Mercer County.

SAPRO

AWARE works with the Department of Defense to serve military personnel who have also been victims of military sexual assault trauma.

Community Engagement

Outreach Programs

Outreach activity is conducted throughout Mercer County to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence. Display tables are placed at community events to exhibit and distribute resources.

Community Education

Education sessions for community, business and faith institutions throughout Mercer County.

School-Based Education

Range of single topic and campus engagement activity is provided through area public, parochial, charter schools as well as local colleges and Penn State, Shenango.

Professional Training

AWARE provides technical support, in-person and on-line training for professionals who work with victims of domestic and sexual violence. AWARE staff certified by the Department of Education to conduct the Mandated Reporter training can provide the required training for school districts and youth-serving organizations. An on-line training service is available on the AWARE website.

Prevention Education

With support from the Centers for Disease Control Rape, Prevention and Education program, AWARE provides evidence-based, series education on sexual and domestic violence impacting young people.