There's a Way Out. You're Not Alone.
"It's hard to reach out for help when you're broken and afraid. I want to tell people to speak up — there is help when you're in need."
– Christy, survivor of domestic violence
Uncertain, isolated and afraid?
Feeling overwhelmed, isolated, discouraged or fearful? Have you hoped and longed for things to change? Is your safety at risk? You may be worried about what will happen or that you won't be able to make your own choices if you reach out. Perhaps you’re concerned about the impact on your children, family, friends, and supporters. Or feel fearful that the abuse will become worse if you do seek help.
The process of getting help may be intimidating, especially if you fear the unknown that follows.
Whether you are needing immediate help, gathering basic information about domestic abuse, want to learn about options and resources, or need someone to listen, the St. Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (SPIP) is here for you.
Get immediate, confidential crisis support – free of charge.
Shaping a future free from violence.
Over 6,200 victims and their children receive crisis intervention and transitional services from SPIP annually.
Adults, adolescents, elders and children all benefit from SPIP’s 24-hour culturally and linguistically appropriate services, which is immediate and ongoing.
The process of getting help may be intimidating, especially if you fear the unknown that follows.
Whether you are needing immediate help, gathering basic information about domestic abuse, want to learn about options and resources, or need someone to listen, the St. Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (SPIP) is here for you.
What is SPIP?
The St. Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (SPIP) is a non-profit organization that offers advocacy and legal services, crisis intervention, support and a wide array of transitional services. All of SPIP's services are confidential and free of charge.
We're here to help you. Please call our supportive, non-judgmental, 24/7 multiple-language crisis line: 651-645-2824.
What we do for you:
- Offer non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential support
- Deliver culturally sensitive advocacy services in multiple languages
- Provide a full range of legal, general and transitional advocacy services, legal representation and advice, and support services that begin at initial contact and continue as long as you need them
- Work on your behalf so you and your children can remain safe in your own home or help you find safe housing
- Provide you information and access to appropriate options so that you can make informed decisions for your and your children’s safety
- Work within the criminal justice system to hold abusive persons accountable for their dangerous behaviors and deter them from further acts of violence – while offering opportunities for change
- SPIP’s continuum of critical programs and services offer options for you and your family to move forward, free from violence
- You will encounter responsive, respectful support from the beginning, and YOU make the choices
“SPIP will support and protect you. They provide services even if you don’t understand the language - they are there to help you understand. When you make that one phone call, you will realize you are not alone. You will be cared for. You can begin healing.”
- Victim/Survivor
What happens when you call?
1.
If you call 9 -1-1 in St. Paul, SPIP is notified 24/7 and an advocate will contact you.
If you call SPIP directly at 651-645-2824, you will be connected to an advocate right away.
SPIP can come to your home, the hospital or reach out to you at another location.
You will be believed and treated kindly.
2.
Your advocate will work to ensure your (and your children’s) immediate safety and medical needs are addressed; listen to you intently; explain SPIP’s array confidential services; describe how the justice system works; give you information on your options, and community and government resources, and reiterate that you are in control of your own decisions.
3.
SPIP will ensure that your rights are upheld, and your voice is heard; you have access to our 24-hour legal, general and transitional advocacy services and attorney assistance when appropriate, and you have knowledge of and can access valuable resources and coordinate with you, so nothing falls through the cracks.
4.
SPIP will reassure you that you are the best expert on your own life; the abuse is not your fault, things will get better, and you are not alone.
Click to enlarge
Wheel adapted from the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program, Duluth, MN.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions used to control or influence another person. Examples may include behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation/identity, religion/spiritual belief, gender or gender identity, socioeconomic background, education level or mental/physical ability. The majority of the victims of domestic violence are women.
Domestic violence can happen to people from all types of living situations – those who are married, living together, dating, separated or no longer together. People from any neighborhood, community or region in the United States or throughout the world are impacted by domestic abuse.