Betty Griffin House is the only center in St. Johns County that has been providing free services to all victims of domestic and sexual abuse for the past 25 years. Betty Griffin House currently provides a wide range of services within St. Johns County that includes Safe & Secure Shelter, 24-Hour Hotline, Sexual Assault Recovery Services, Rape Crisis Unit, Confidential Counseling, Transitional Housing, Support Groups, Peace Club, Legal Assistance, Court/Individual Advocacy, Community Education/Training and Thrift Shoppes which are used as a resource for participants and a source of funds from community donations.
The primary purpose of the agency is to provide holistic services that directly relate to the victims’ experience of abuse which will increase safety and security for both the victim and the family. As a full service domestic and sexual abuse center, Betty Griffin House provides information and referral, a 24-hour crisis hotline, court advocacy, civil legal representation, free HIV testing and other support services to shelter and outreach participants. Betty Griffin House also provides a Sexual Assault Recovery Program for advocacy, service management, legal representation, rape crisis unit forensic exams, advocacy coordination, and crisis counseling services. In addition, Betty Griffin House community educators provide primary prevention education on domestic abuse and sexual assault in the community and St. Johns County School District K-12, and local colleges.
Betty Griffin House is a dual domestic violence and rape crisis center with 24 hour sexual assault hotline, crisis intervention and medical and criminal justice accompaniment. The Rape Crisis Unit provides for the needs of rape victims in an area separate from the Emergency Room. Betty Griffin House’s crisis hotline advocates call a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) whenever there is a request for a rape exam. Exams are performed by a SANE that specializes in the delicate task of collecting forensic evidence while maintaining the dignity of the victim.
As part of its sexual assault program, Betty Griffin House maintains a Rape Crisis Hotline and Sexual Assault Response Advocates. When an advocate meets a victim at the unit, she offers crisis counseling and referrals, which can make a huge difference to a woman in understanding her rights. Then an advocate follows up with the victim within 24-48 hours to offer emotional support and/or supportive services to the victim or the victim’s family.
The Betty Griffin House Thrift Shoppes in Julington Creek and on Anastasia Island help provide ongoing support to our mission and allow us to provide services for free to all victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Additionally, donated items help support victims rebuilding their lives.
For more information visit www.bettygriffinhouse.org. If you or someone you know is being abused, call our 24-hour crisis hotline at (904) 824-1555.
