SEMAH’s mission is the promotion of healthier relationships and prevention of domestic violence through education and awareness of options. We are a conduit for resources to help build bridges to safer communities especially those that are not well served. We have a special focus on the Muslim and inter-faith communities.

Resources

There are many resources to help address domestic violence – these include the following:

Support Services: Domestic Violence Advocacy Agency

Counseling services
Community education
Referrals to other resources
Special Latino outreach
Emergency shelter, transitional housing
Accompaniment for those going to court

Support Services: Rape Crisis Center

Hospital and law enforcement accompaniment
Counseling services
Community education

Legal Services

Assist with temporary restraining orders (RTO)
Assists with child custody, visitation, and support
Provide support, guidance, accompaniment, advocacy with law enforcement

Medical Services

Screen for domestic violence and report injuries that result from assault
Refer to resources
Public Health (Public Health Nursing-home visiting, prevention activities, e.g. youth violence prevention)

Child Protective Services

Take reports of suspected child abuse
Provide emergency response, if necessary
Investigate child abuse
Develop safety plans for children
Provide information and guidance

Adult Protective Services

Take reports of suspected abuse of adults 65 and older, dependent adults 18-64
Provide emergency response, if necessary
Investigate adult abuse reports
Develops safety plans for adults
Provide information and guidance

Criminal Justice Services: Law Enforcement

Responds to 911 calls
Gives information cards to victims
Arrests suspected offenders
Obtains Emergency Protective Orders (EPO)
Collaborates with DV advocates
Investigates crimes
Provides civil stand-by

Criminal Justice Services: District Attorney's Office

Prosecutes criminal cases
Provides victim advocate services
Reviews police reports
Files criminal charges

Criminal Justice Services: Victim Center
Provides financial services for:

Counseling
Medical expenses
Emergency relocation
Motel vouchers
Residential security
Temporary lodging
Lost income
Emergency petty cash
Assistance with criminal court process

Criminal Justice Services: Adult Probation

Monitors those who are convicted of domestic violence
Requires attendance at batterer treatment groups
Certifies batterer intervention programs

Intervention Services

Provide groups for people who abuse
May speak English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese
Offer sliding-scale fees
Are open to court-referred and self-referred clients
Offer referrals for victim services