24-Hour Hotline

C.A.R.E.’s crisis hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide immediate response to the needs of the callers.

Safe Haven / Shelter

Free emergency shelter for you and your children in a safe, non-violent setting. Relocation assistance is also available for eligible victims.

Pet Program

Pets are family, which means their safety is also important. At C.A.R.E., that is understood and, although unable to house pets in the safe haven, we do have a partnership with Suncoast Humane Society to provide a foster program that will take care of your animals while you are in shelter.

Hospital Advocacy

Hospital Advocacy is available to recent sexual assault survivors when they go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. C.A.R.E. advocates meet with survivors  to offer support, discuss procedures, answer questions and advocate for the rights and the well being of the survivor. Hospital advocates provide information about C.A.R.E. services and other community resources available to sexual assault survivors.

Safety Planning

Leaving is always dangerous. Safely leaving the situation is the goal. Contact C.A.R.E. to help you make a safe plan to leave, or to help you stay home and  safe.

 Legal Advocacy

Free civil legal assistance may be available if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. C.A.R.E. advocates provide support and encouragement during legal proceedings and guide survivors through the protective order process.

Victim Advocacy

C.A.R.E. staff and trained volunteers provide support and encouragement to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault,  and other violent crimes to ensure their interests are represented, and their rights upheld.

Crime Victims Compensation Fund

These funds are available through the State of Florida Office of the Attorney General for eligible victims of crime to pay for medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral expenses and loss of support for victim’s dependents.

Economic Empowerment Program

A free program to assist victims with all aspects of establishing financial independence.
Includes:
  • Banking
  • Credit building
  • Skills to help victims obtain gainful employment
  • Guidance with finding a home or apartment.

Accompaniment

One-to-one, supportive assistance to the victims of violent crimes in hospitals and/or court settings.

Counseling

Free, individual and group counseling for all those affected by domestic violence or sexual abuse. This can be done by telephone or face-to-face.

 Bystander Training

Free-of-charge Active Bystander Training provided to businesses, clubs, faith-based organizations, and the community.

Community Education 

Community education presentations are provided to schools, churches, nursing homes, businesses and other organizations by staff and trained volunteers.

Coordination of Services

It is the policy of C.A.R.E. to foster cooperation among all agencies involved with victims of crime. To avoid duplication of services; to promote effective relationships with diverse agencies; and to encourage collaboration with other organizations in Charlotte County. In order to ensure quality service and provide exactly what each individual client needs, we proudly ally with Gulfcoast Partnership. As always, client confidentiality is preserved.

C.A.R.E. Is and Provides…

  • Certified rape crisis center and certified domestic violence shelter for safe haven
  • Services, advocacy, counseling and group sessions are free of charge and confidential
  • 24-hour hotline/helpline services answered by a live person every day of the year
  • Safety planning, information, referrals and coordination of services
  • One-on-one counseling, DV and SV support groups and access to therapy
  • 24-hour rape crisis hospital response
  • Prevention education in schools, civic, church and health organizations
  • Green Dot Active Bystander training to prevent violence
  • Court advocates assist survivors in court at the Charlotte County Justice Center
  • Victim advocacy and access to Crime Victims Compensation Fund
  • Civil legal services to assist with orders of protection, stalking, custody/housing issues
  • Public speaking and outreach for groups and businesses; contact Linda Lusk to schedule (941-639-5499)

C.A.R.E. Advocates (Staff and Volunteer) provide services…

  • Crisis intervention and follow-up care
  • Information, one-on-one advocacy support and referrals for services needed to ensure victims’ rights and needs are met
  • Counseling and support while constantly aware of possible reactions to trauma
  • Information and help with filing for crime victim compensation