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A Woman's Place
of Merced County is a Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Intervention
Center. We are the only Agency in Merced County that provides comprehensive
services to victims of domestic violence. Additionally, we are the
only Agency in Merced and Mariposa Counties that provides sexual assault
services. AWP's bilingual/bicultural staff is "on call"
24-hours a day, 365 days a year, to assist with emergency domestic
violence and sexual assault incidents. Our strength is that we are
the recognized leader and sources of free assistance for victims.
Our most recent statistics for domestic violence indicate that
from October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003, AWP serviced 3,783
domestic violence victims at our office, either in person or by
phone; provided crises intervention/counseling interactions to 2,073
clients; 1,348 clients received legal assistance with temporary
restraining orders, protective and/or custody orders; court accompaniment
was provided to 801 clients; 233 adults and 365 children received
emergency food/clothing and 171 adults and 335 children were sheltered.
From October, 2002 to September, 2003, AWP assisted 424 sexual
assault victims (168 of that total were children under the age of
18). Individual counseling services were provided to 290 clients;
155 victims were provided advocacy and 44 victims were assisted
by AWP at the hospital for forensic exams.
A message from our Executive Director:
"Though we have made great strides when it comes to domestic
violence, we cannot become complacent; there is still too much to
be done. We must continue in our efforts to raise the awareness
and the consciousness of our community. We must also continue to
ensure that no victim goes unnoticed, and that no victim of domestic
violence should have to suffer in silence. We have a responsibility
and an opportunity to make sure that no woman or child lives in
fear within their own home. As we face the challenges of this century,
we will endeavor to ensure that no woman or child is a victim of
domestic violence in Merced by continuing to build upon our partnerships
with law enforcement, social services providers, and the community."
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