Community Advocacy

Community advocates are free and confidential resources for victims of domestic and sexual violence. CADA has community advocates in the cities of Blue Earth, Mankato, New Ulm, St. James, St. Peter, and Waseca.

 

What can a Community Advocate do for you?

An advocate can be an objective, nonjudgmental person who can listen, provide information, and help identify options for people experiencing domestic or sexual violence. At CADA, we believe that victims and survivors are the experts in their lives and that they know what is best for their family. Therefore, advocates will not tell someone what to do and will encourage victims and survivors to lead their own journeys and will be supportive in the decisions they make.

In addition to emotional support and safety planning, community advocates can also provide a variety of legal advocacy services. The justice system can be extremely confusing, so partnering with an advocate can be helpful. Advocates can help you understand your rights and the options you have. Additionally, community advocates can refer you to other services and agencies that may be helpful.


Community Advocates can:

  • Provide confidential and nonjudgmental support
  • Provide information about domestic violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking, and stalking
  • Help to create individual safety plans for victims and children
  • Assist in writing and filing a restraining order
  • Assist in reporting domestic or sexual assault to law enforcement
  • Attend court on behalf of or with a victim or survivor 
  • Contact police, prosecution, or other system partners on victim’s behalf
  • Assist client in obtaining public assistance, food support, shelter, or other basic needs
  • Facilitate domestic violence and sexual violence support groups
  • Provide 24-hour crisis response to hospitals or law enforcement centers
 

Support Groups

 

CADA offers free support groups for women who are victims and surivivors of domestic or sexual violence. For information about date, time, and location, please contact your local advocate. Additionally, if you need help making arrangements for childcare of transportation, please speak with your local advocate.

Support groups are facilitated by advocates and cover a wide range of topics, such as:

  • Healing from trauma
  • Self-care techniques and practices
  • Red flags of abusive relationships
  • Understanding power and control

Generally, support groups run in 12 week cycles with a month break in between cycles.

CADA also offers individual therapy with licensed mental health professionals in the Mankato office. This is available to CADA clients throughout our service area. Please contact your local CADA office to get more information.