Client Support Services

Providing the strength to others to overcome victimization and become a survivor after a sexual assault is an endless accomplishment. After the assault the struggle to comprehend what has happened begins.  Our Clients Services Coordinator, Erin McNiff, is the bridge between the examination and “What’s next?” stage. Our Client Services Coordinator encourages you to make a smooth transition into the “reorganization phase” and help you learn to cope again.

Care from the Client Services Coordinator after the assault starts with follow up and then options counseling.

Follow-Up Care includes the following:

• Initial phone call
• Assessing mental status and addressing emotional and physical health concerns
• Addressing any questions regarding the assault, the exam, medical, or legal issues
• Informing of victim rights
• Non-biased assistancewith decision concerning reporting
• Assistance with reporting if appropriate
• Assistance with Victim Compensationand bills
• Assess client socioeconomic level regarding expense incurred due to crime

Options Counseling includes:

• Referrals for medical follow-up care
• Peer Counseling (By Client Service Coordinator)
• Referrals for mental health care
•  Drug and Alcohol Treatment groups
• Law Enforcement agencies and legal advocacy
• Support for secondary survivors (victim’s extended support group)
• Transportation to a facility to receive services
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
•  Pregnancy
• Goal setting
• Adaptive coping strategies
• Professional counseling
• Support groups

Client Support Volunteers

Our Client Support Volunteers are community members who have volunteered to be on-call and provide emotional support to you and/or your loved ones during a sexual assault exam by our Forensic Nurses. They work in unison to provide the very best care possible. Examinations can be time-consuming and emotionally intense—we attend to both your psychological and medical needs for this reason.

For more information about our Client Services, or volunteering, please contact Erin McNiff at 715-425-6443 or erin@stcroixvalleysart.org.