Programs & Services

Women’s Empowerment Program

Serves survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The Compass Center is committed to assisting survivors of violence through the healing process. The Women’s Empowerment Program serves both male and female victims of violence, as well as children. Services include:

Ongoing or group therapy with a licensed, Master’s level counselor
Advocacy at the hospital, courthouse or police station
Assistance with safety planning
Help filing protection orders or victims’ compensation applications
Information, support or assistance in obtaining necessary resources

Rape Crisis Program

Serves survivors of sexual assault in crisis

The Rape Crisis Program trains volunteers to respond to survivors of sexual assault at the emergency room and also on the crisis hotline. Services include:

Immediate crisis response, 24 hours a day
Emotional support, advocacy, information and referrals for survivors of violence and their friends or family
Free follow-up services to the survivor, family or friends by Master’s level counselors

Family Violence Project

Serves those who have used abuse towards others.

The Family Violence Project is a 25-week program based on the Duluth Model of treatment for individuals who have used violence against a partner or family member. The program is designed to assist participants to identify their abusive thoughts, beliefs and actions and to learn respectful, non-violent alternatives. Services include:

Assessments and orientation sessions
Weekly groups which are therapeutic as well as educational
Help in exploration of nonviolence and relationship equality through educational topics

Teen Violence Program

Serves teens who have used abuse towards others.

The Teen Violence Project is a 16-week program to address use of violence, power and control. The goal of the program is to assist teenagers in developing skills for healthy relationships. Services include:

Assessments and educational sessions
Weekly groups which are therapeutic as well as educational

Court Watchers Program

Serves survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The purpose of the Court Watchers Program is to support victims of rape, sexual assault or domestic violence who are involved with the court system. Services include:

Observation of criminal and civil cases in court and cases in the media
Promotion of public awareness of the court system
Volunteer outreach to victims of violence at the courthouse
Information about services available at The Compass Center

Abusers monitor computer use!

If you need to exit quickly click the quick escape button. The quick escape button can be found at the top of each page on this Web site.

Please remember:

If you think your computer activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusive people are often controlling and want to know your every move.
Computer hard drives, browsers, and other software programs store history about what you have done, what documents you have used, what Web sites you have visited, what images you have seen, and other activities. It may be impossible to completely clear this stored information from your computer.
If you are afraid your Internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer or call our hotline at 1-877-IN-CRISIS or 605-339-0116.
A “safer computer” is one that your abuser does not have direct access to. Locations include the public library, community center or even at a friend’s house.

if you are a parent...

Say what you feel, lovingly.
Be patient.
Listen to your child.
Set limits together and make a safety plan.
Avoid making decisions FOR your child.
Be familiar with the support available to you in the community.

if you are a victim...

Sexual Assault

Go to a safe place.
Do not shower.
Seek medical attention.
Connect with The Compass Center for emotional support and advocacy at (605) 339-0116 or 877-IN CRISIS.

Domestic Violence

Talk with someone you trust.
Create an “emergency kit” of things you would need if you leave suddenly.
Connect with The Compass Center at (605) 339-0116 or 877-IN CRISIS.
Call the police if you are in danger.

if you are a perpetrator...

Abuse is:

Calling bad names or putting someone down
Shouting and cursing
Hitting, slapping and/or pushing
Making threats of any kind
Jealousy and suspicion
Keeping someone away from family and friends
Throwing things around the house

Domestic violence is a crime. It destroys relationships and families.

If you abuse, you can choose to stop.
Call The Compass Center at (605) 339-0116 or 877-IN CRISIS.

if you are a caring friend...

Don’t be afraid to share your concern for your friend’s safety.
Acknowledge that your friend is in a difficult and perhaps scary situation.
Be supportive.
Be non-judgmental.
Encourage your friend to reach out for professional support and guidance.
Remember that you cannot “rescue” your friend.