Interface’s Family Violence Intervention Services department provides comprehensive family violence programming that aims to prevent, interrupt and end the cycle of violence within family systems.
Our multi-faceted approach allows us to address the complex issues of family violence, which can include child abuse, dating violence, and domestic violence, by providing safe and supportive services to victims while simultaneously encouraging abuser accountability and preventing the future perpetration of family violence.
Interface believes that no one ever deserves to be abused, especially within the context of an intimate relationship, and that all individuals should have the opportunity to exercise their right to define their personal relationships and spaces as violence-free zones. We address the needs of survivors, but we also address the needs of the unheard voices of those victims who face so many barriers to leaving their abusive relationship that becoming a survivor is often a seemingly unobtainable reality for them. Through our prevention, outreach, and educational programming, we attempt to reach those individuals who are experiencing, and are at-risk of experiencing, domestic violence.
As long as even one person experiences domestic violence in Ventura County, we will continue to provide domestic and family violence prevention and intervention services, and we will continue to do so with the utmost respect and understanding of the specific needs of the various victims and survivors of abuse in our community.
Supporting Victims
Interface Family Violence Response Team
Interface Family Violence Response Team offers 24 hours a day/7 days a week advocacy and response to domestic violence calls when requested by law enforcement and medical providers. Family violence advocates respond to safe locations to provide crisis intervention, immediate assessment, safety planning and referrals to victims. Advocates also assist with the follow-up advocacy including, but not limited to, restraining order assistance and court accompaniment. The response team often serves as an entry point into the emergency shelter program.
Safe Haven Emergency Shelter
Safe Haven Emergency Shelter The Safe Haven Emergency shelter is a confidential, 30-day emergency shelter for victims and their children who are fleeing domestic violence. Includes supportive services such as case management, counseling, restraining order assistance and advocacy. Safe Haven is a pet friendly shelter.
Through the Safe Haven program, clients receive individual and group counseling all participants work closely with case managers to achieve safety and self-sufficiency goals. Participants are offered assistance in developing life and parenting skills, job readiness and enhancement of self-esteem through classes, groups and individual counseling. Referrals and advocacy for substance abuse recovery programs are provided to when appropriate. Children participate in special groups with an intern therapist or qualified domestic violence counselors, who engage them in positive social development and therapeutic expressive arts activities. Staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to any needs and or emergencies.
Safe Journey Transitional Shelter
The Safe Journey Transitional Shelter is a supportive living for victims of domestic violence who have completed a stay in an emergency shelter. Participants are provided with ongoing case management and counseling services, which aim to assist them in the healing process and encourage growth, independence, and self-sufficiency.
Interface shelter programs provide a safe and stable environment where victims can begin a new start and prepare for their future. These services immediately benefit the victims and their dependents while at the same time contributing to a healthier community.
Support Group for Women
Interface offers weekly, confidential support groups for victims of domestic violence. Topics include understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, warning signs in a relationship, impacts of abuse on children, safety planning and how to make better choices in relationships. Groups are facilitated by trained domestic violence counselors and are free of charge. Walk-ins are welcome.
Preventing Family Violence
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention “My Body Belongs to Me”
A personal safety/child abuse prevention program, My Body Belongs to Me, is for children from preschool through 6th grade and their families. The program works to educate and empower children in a non-threatening way, so that they may be better equipped to avoid abuse. This safety program teaches children how to respond to potentially dangerous people and situations. The program is offered to schools, day-care centers and other child care and youth facilities free of charge. To learn more about the My Body Belongs to Me Program call (805) 485-6114 ext. 691.
Teen Dating Violence Prevention
The Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program provides school-based prevention programming to high school students throughout Ventura County. The program includes three, one-hour presentations which are provided over the course of one semester. Presentation topics include discussions on the various forms of dating violence, including emotional, verbal, digital, and physical abuse, and encourages teens to develop healthy communication skills and relationships. For more information or to schedule a presentation please call (805) 485-6114 ext. 616.
> Interface’s Teen Dating Violence Prevention Website
> Click here to view the schools Interface is currently providing these programs.
Community Awareness & Outreach
Community awareness and outreach are provided through presentations, informational booths and resources free of charge on topics related to family violence prevention. Our outreach staff and volunteers speak at schools/universities, faith centers, places of employment, medical facilities, law enforcement agencies, health fairs and community events.
The following presentations are available:
- Domestic Violence 101
- Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
- Domestic Violence and the Work Place
- Domestic Violence for Health Care Practitioners
Call (805) 485-6114, ext. 616 for more information or to schedule a presentation.