The Family Resource Center, Inc. (formerly Women's Resource Center, Inc.) is a private non-profit agency incorporated in 1981 to establish a counseling program and a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Our services began in 1986 withthe opening of our emergency shelter for women and children. Since that time FRC has expanded its services to include all victims of violent crimes and families in crisis.

 

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to them:
 

• What about payment for services, especially since I left my house in a hurry and without cash? 
  Not to worry! As a victim, you will never have to pay for services. The Family Resources Center, Inc. provides all services to victim free of charges.
   

• Does the Family Resource Center, Inc. provide services for men?
  Men are victims of crime, too. Our professional counselors work with men to assist them in their recovery free of charge.
   

• If there is a service for men, is there a fee attached?
  Family Resource Center does provide a Batterers' Intervention Program for abusive males. There is a charge for this program, Men Terminating Violence.
   

• Does the Family Resource Center work with other agencies?
  Yes, the Family Resource Center receives numerous local referrals from agencies such as Dept. of Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Bethlehem House, KIDSCOPE, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Health, Roy L. Schneider Regional Hospital, Health Clinics, and others. The Family Resource Center is a member agency of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC).
   

• Does the Family Resource Center provide intervention for child abuse victims?
  Yes, the Family Resource Center does provide couseling, court advocacy, emergency shelter, and financial  assistanceto child victims of physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We also offer support groups for children who are impacted by domestic violence in their homes.
   

•  What can I do if I am being abused by my intimate partner, spouse, or other family member?
  Acknowledge the reality that you are being abused. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or other medical worker. They can help you get the ball rolling. 
  
  If you are injured by battering, have photographs taken of your injuries. If you get medical attention, keep all records. But remember: you don not have to be injured so severely that you require hospital treatment in order to be considered a victim of domestic violence.
  
  Talk to a counselor or a victim advocate who can help you develop a safety plan. If you are planning an emergency escape: collect your important documents - driver's license, passport or green card, birth certificate for yourself and your child(ren), Social Security card(s), keys, etc. Put aside some cash as you are able. Pack a small bag of clothes and leave with a friend you can trust.
  
  Contact a friend or supportive family member who you can stay with. If you have no friends or family member with whom you can stay temporarily, you can call a shelter for battered women and children. There is such a shelter operated by the Family Resource Center, Inc. on St. Thomas. You can also be referred to other social services to obtain food, clothing, and cash assistance.
  
                                       ~ Break the Silence ~
                                      STOP Family Violence!