When you are ready to reach out, an advocate is often the first person you will meet from BCSH. Advocacy means having someone in your corner who listens, believes you, and helps you sort out next steps at your pace. Our services are free and confidential. You can use them whether you need shelter or not.
Who advocacy is for
Anyone impacted by domestic violence can connect with us. That includes people currently in a relationship, people who have left, friends or family who want to help, and professionals seeking guidance for a client.
Your first contact
Call our 24/7 helpline at 906-524-7078 or visit the Contact page for office hours. You will speak with a trained advocate. You can share as little or as much as you want. We will ask brief questions to understand your situation and immediate safety. If you are in danger, we will help you plan for safety right away and discuss shelter options if that is something you want.
Meeting with an advocate
You can meet by phone, in person, or sometimes by video if that is safer. Meetings usually start with your goals. Maybe you want to understand options, explore legal protections, find counseling, or plan for housing and finances. We will never pressure you. You decide what happens next.
How advocates can help
- Safety planning. Practical steps for staying safer at home, work, school, and online.
- Legal information and support. Help understanding Personal Protection Orders, court processes, and what to expect. We can provide accompaniment to hearings when possible.
- Medical and emotional support. Crisis counseling, referrals for counseling or medical care, and help navigating appointments.
- Housing and basic needs. Connection to shelter, transitional housing options, emergency supplies, and community resources.
- Financial and paperwork help. Support with applications, benefits, victim compensation information, and documentation.
- Transportation and referrals. When available, rides to critical appointments and warm handoffs to community partners.
- Support for children. Safety planning for families and connection to child-focused services.
- Help for friends and family. Coaching on how to support a loved one safely.
See a full list of Services on our Advocacy page here. Services vary based on need and availability. If we do not provide something directly, we will work to connect you with someone who does.
Confidentiality and your privacy
Your information is kept private within the limits of the law. We explain these limits at the start so you know how your information is protected. You can choose what to share and you can stop services at any time.
What you will NOT get from us
You will not get judgment, blame, or pressure to make a certain choice. You will not be asked to prove what happened to you. Advocacy is survivor-led. Our job is to give you options and stand beside you.
If you need shelter
If you want to explore shelter, an advocate will explain what to bring, how the shelter works, and what services are available for you and your children. If shelter is not the right fit, we can still help with safety planning and other supports through our outreach office.
If you are helping someone else
You can call to ask questions and learn how to support safely. We can share warning signs, safety tips, and local resources. If the person you care about is not ready to call, you can still learn ways to help without increasing their risk.
How to get started
- Call our 24/7 helpline: 906-524-7078
- Visit our Contact page for addresses and office hours
- If you are not in a safe place to call, you can ask us to schedule a time that works for you
A quick note about safety online
If you think your device is being monitored, use a safer device such as a friend’s phone, a work computer, or a library computer. Private or Incognito windows do not erase everything. You can leave this site fast using the Exit Site button at the top of the page. Visit our Cover your Tracks page to learn more about protecting yourself online.
You are not alone. Whether you want information, a plan, or a safe place to stay, BCSH advocates are here to help when you are ready.