Staff and Volunteers answer the sexual assault/sex trafficking hotline. All staff/volunteers are trained and certified through the Office of the Attorney general to handle sexual assault immediate and delayed outcry calls; In addition to being a part of the Polaris 24 hour Sex Trafficking Hotline offering help and hope to all victims of sexual assault/sex trafficking.
Victim Advocacy Services
24 Hour Crisis Hotline
24 Hour Medical Accompaniment
Advocates meet sexual assault and/or sex trafficking survivors, non offending family members, law enforcement and the SANE. We provide advocacy throughout the forensic sexual assault medical exam. We also provide survivors with an informational and referral packet. In addition, survivors receive a personal care package and clothing is furnished when necessary.
24 Hour Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Service
Voice of Hope partners with Forensic Nurse Staffing of West Texas (FNSWT) for the provision of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners which are available 24 hours a day/365 to perform sexual assault forensic medical exams on child/adult victim of sexual assault/sex trafficking. SANE's are also available to offer expert testimony when cases are prosecuted.
Counseling Services
VOH offers individual counseling and therapeutic groups to sexual assault/sex trafficking survivors and non-offending family members affected by these senseless crimes of rape and sex trafficking. All counseling services are provided by a licensed therapist and services are free of charge.
Law Enforcement Accompaniment
An Advocate is present at the hospital when the victim gives their initial statement to a police officer. Later an advocate is available to accompany the survivor to the police station where the formal statement is given to the detective assigned to investigate the case.
Case Follow Up & Referral
Three (3) to five (5) working days after the initial intake at the hospital, VOH follows up with sexual assault/sex trafficking survivors to make sure they are doing alright, and to schedule an appointment, if necessary to assist with Crime Victim’s Compensation paperwork. Sexual assault/sex trafficking survivors are encouraged to have follow up testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s). VOH will make referrals at this time, if needed and schedule a counseling appointment with our sexual assault therapeutic counselor if the survivor wishes.
Judicial Accompaniment
When we are notified a case is going to trial we contact the survivor to see if they have any questions and go over any concerns they may have. VOH also goes to court to offer moral support not only to the survivor and their families but also to any agency testifying on behalf of the survivor. Also, often times, staff and volunteers are called upon to testify.
Community Education/Prevention
VOH endeavors to educate Lubbock and surrounding rural communities on the issue of sexual assault/sex trafficking in addition to methods for Sexual Assault prevention for all ages.
All services provided for victims are free of cost.
Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
Face to Face Crisis Intervention and Victim Advocacy Services are available. Call our 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 806.763.7273 for more information. In addition, we provide assistance on behalf of child/adult survivors of sexual violence with third parties (i.e. schools, employers, law enforcement agencies, health care professionals, prosecutor’s offices, and Crime Victim’s Compensation.) Advocacy is provided by OAG certified trained staff/volunteers.