Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sexual Assault?

 

Sexual assault is any sexual contact without a person’s consent. This includes flashing, obscene phone calls, verbal and/or sexual harassment, touching or hurting the sexual parts of a person’s body, or sexual contact of any kind without consent. It does not matter whether or not:

• Injuries resulted or a weapon was used
• The assailant and victim are dating or married
• The assailant and/or victim were under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• The victim is an adult or child

What is Domestic Violence?

 

Domestic violence – also known as domestic abuse or spousal abuse – is any abuse that occurs between two people who are now or were in an intimate relationship. Abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional, stalking, and neglect regardless of whether or not:

• The abuser and/or victim are adults or teenagers
• The abuser and victim are living together
• The abuser and/or victim have children
• The abuser and/or victim are gay, lesbian, or heterosexual

I would like to leave my abuser and enter the PEACE for Families Safe House. What should I do?

 

Call our 24-hour Crisis Line at 1.800.575.5352 and ask the Crisis Counselor to do a pre-screening. Be sure to call from a safe location away from your abuser, so that he/she is not aware that you are planning on leaving or where you are going. Be mindful of calling the Crisis Line from your home or you cell phone if your abuser has access to your phone bills or records. If the abuser attempts to locate you after you leave, finding that you called PEACE for Families’ Crisis Line may alert him/her to which agency is assisting you.

I want to relocate away from my abuser, but I don't have the finances to do so. What can I do?

 

If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, and have some form of documentation to prove it, you may be eligible for finances and services from Victim Witness, a state agency that works through the District Attorney's Office or other programs available within the community. Call the Crisis Line from a safe locations to discuss your options with a PEACE for Families Crisis Counselor.

I am concerned for my safety and would like to obtain a restraining order against my abuser. How does this process work?

 

PEACE for Families staff members can help you prepare the paperwork necessary to get a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). This service is available at either or Roseville or Auburn office.

PEACE for Families staff members have experience with the related court process and will prepare you to navigate the family court system. Call the Roseville or Auburn Service office to schedule an appointment with the Legal Advocate.

I have court next week for my Temporary Restraining Order and I am afraid to go alone because my abuser will be there, what can I do?

 

PEACE for Families offers pre-scheduled court accompaniment for Temporary Restraining Order hearings and other family court matters. Stop by or call either the Roseville or Auburn office to ask about having an advocate accompany you to court.

I experienced domestic violence in my past, but am still dealing with some personal issues because of it. I want to get some therapy, but I can’t afford it, is there anything I can do?

 

Both the Roseville and Auburn PEACE for Families’ offices provide free therapy to victims of domestic violence. Therapy is offered to individuals and even family members who have been affected by domestic violence. Both offices also offer a Domestic Violence Drop-in Support Group as well, which can be very beneficial to healing.

I am a victim of sexual assault, but I do not want to report it to law enforcement. Is there any help out there for me?

 

PEACE for Families provides free therapy to victims of sexual assault at both the Roseville and Auburn locations. Therapy is also available to family members who have been affected by the sexual assault.