Family Violence Services     The Sacred Heart Center's Women's Shelter has provided a safe haven for women and children fleeing from domestic violence since the Center first opened its doors in 1982. The shelter has been expanded throughout the years to keep up with the needs in the area it serves. Today, a 3500-square-foot building contains four bedrooms with a total of 16 beds, office space, three bathrooms, laundry facilities, kitchen, living/dining room, children's playroom, and a secured outside play area.     The Women's Shelter is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Men, women, and children in crisis can call the toll-free line to seek information or request assistance from law enforcement to leave a dangerous situation. Victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault find a safe place to stay and the assistance they need while they recover from the trauma they have experienced. Bedrooms with four beds in them allow a woman and her children to have their own space.     A variety of support services are available during their stay. Advocates help with information, access to the courts, and an explanation of potential options. They also help parents and children feel welcome, determine if counseling is needed for children, and help with child care. Assistance in dealing with social services, medical issues, and housing concerns is provided. Clients make their own decisions regarding their present and future situation and that of their children. Clients are also helped with transportation to appointments with other agencies, and are given clothing vouchers to the Bear Necessities Thrift Store if needed. In some cases, limited financial assistance may be available for housing and utility deposits.     The utmost discretion and confidentiality are used at all times to ensure the safety of those seeking our assistance. The only records kept are those that contain statistical information necessary to remain in compliance with the requirements of federal and state grants. These records do not contain information that would identify our clients.     Men who are victims of domestic violence, along with their children, are provided housing at a location other than the Women's Shelter. They receive the same support services provided to the residents of the shelter.     A variety of services are available to victims of domestic violence who need assistance but not a place to stay. These include lay legal advocacy in the CRST Tribal Courts, personal advocacy and support when victims need to testify in court, a toll-free hotline, support groups, counseling, and information/referral services.     An important part of the Women's Shelter's mission is outreach programs to reach and educate the general public and those who work with victims of domestic violence. Newspaper and radio public service announcements and media presentations are two methods of fulfilling that goal. Age-appropriate presentations are scheduled at the local schools, covering topics such as anger management, date rape, and domestic violence and safety issues in the home. Teachers and others working with children can attend workshops that educate them concerning the signs of abuse, including neglect, and make them more sensitive to behavioral issues caused by abuse or neglect. Speakers are available for presentations to any group or organization on such topics as sexual assault, dating violence, sexual harassment, and stalking.     The Women's Shelter is a member of the South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and other organizations that support domestic violence education and prevention initiatives and lobby for social change. Contact Us Marcelline "Marcy" Lesmeister, Director mlesmeister@shconline.org