Mission and Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Mission

 

PAVSA is dedicated to the elimination of sexual violence in Southern St. Louis County.

 

In support of our Mission, PAVSA is committed to these Core Values:

  • Free and accessible victim services
  • Victim-centered and driven services
  • Non-judgmental and confidential services
  • Prevention education
  • Changing attitudes about sexual violence
  • Advocacy for social change
  • Programs for all ages and communities

 

Programs/Services

  • 24 Hour Crisis Line:  Advocates offer crisis intervention, information and referral to callers.
  • Hospital Advocacy: Advocates provide support to survivors when they choose to seek medical assistance at a hospital or clinic.
  • Crisis and Long-term Counseling: Staff offers survivors the opportunity to process their thoughts and feelings related to sexual violence.
  • Legal Advocacy:  Advocates support survivors when they report to the police as well as being available for courtroom and investigation advocacy.
  • Support Groups:  Groups are offered for adult women survivors, adolescent survivors and secondary survivors (parents, family, friends).
  • Safe and Strong Child Personal Body Safety Program:  Prevention programs are provided for pre-school and elementary school classrooms as well as for children with special needs.  Presentations are also given for teachers and parents.
  • Professional Training:  Workshops on issues of sexual assault and child sexual abuse are available to clergy, educators, law enforcement, medical providers and other professionals. 
  • Community Education:  Presentations are offered to high school and college classrooms, civic groups, parent groups and other area organizations.  Presentations are tailored to the needs of each group.
  • SMART (Sexual Assault Multi-Disciplinary Action Response Team):  The team brings together a variety of community resources, including law enforcement, hospitals, prosecution and social service organizations to create and implement a victim-centered response to incidents of sexual assault.