Advocacy at Vera House

The Vera House Advocacy Program is here to walk alongside individuals as they take steps toward living safely and free from harm. Our advocates are available to meet individuals at area hospitals, police stations, schools, nursing homes, and other safe locations.

They provide short-term counseling to help individuals understand the dynamics of abusive relationships and create a safety plan. Advocates also serve as a connection between survivors and the systems they may be involved with, offering information, referrals and emotional support. To connect with an advocate, call our 24-Hour Support Line at 315-468-3260 or reach out through Web Chat.

Elder Advocacy

Our Elder Advocacy provides compassionate support to older adults experiencing abuse in later life, including domestic and sexual violence, neglect, and financial exploitation. Services include emotional support, safety planning, and help navigating the systems that may be involved.

Click HERE for Evergreen Support Groups.

Outreach

A Vera House advocate is stationed at the Onondaga County Department of Child and Family Services, offering support, information and connection to families navigating difficult situations.

Legal Services

At Vera House, we offer free, trauma-informed legal support to adults impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Our services are designed to help you navigate the legal system with care, clarity and compassion. They include:

The Legal Project – In collaboration with Legal Services of Central New York and Hiscock Legal Aid Society, we provide trauma-informed legal services to adults who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. Support includes one-time legal consultations and full legal representation in divorce and family court matters. All services are free for those who qualify. Click HERE to contact our Legal Project.
Family Court – A Vera House advocate or volunteer can meet you at Onondaga Family Court to help you fill out a petition for a temporary order of protection. We serve walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Family Court is located at 401 Montgomery Street, and the clerk’s office is in Room 101. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ET.
Monday Night Legal Clinic – In collaboration with the Central New York Women’s Bar Association and the Volunteer Lawyers Project, this clinic offers 45-minute legal consultations on Monday evenings for individuals who have experienced domestic or sexual violence. Please note, individuals currently represented by an attorney are not eligible for this service. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 315-425-0818.

Support Groups

Our Advocacy Program offers free, confidential support groups for survivors of domestic or sexual violence and other forms of abuse. These groups create a safe space to connect, share and heal, at your own pace and in your own way.

To learn more, please call our 24/7 Support & Information Line at 315-468-3260 or chat with an advocate on Web Chat.

We are currently enrolling participants in our Heal & Reclaim Group. Learn more HERE.

Office of Victim Services

A Vera House advocate can assist individuals affected by crime by filing a claim with the New York State Office of Victim Services. For more information about the Office of Victim Services, please visit their website.

Vera House is committed to ensuring our programs and services are welcoming to everyone. If you need assistance to ensure our services meet your needs, please call us at 315-425-0818 or click HERE to send an e-mail.