Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters Inc

Cove began in 1978 in response to the lack of sexual assault services in our local communities. Over forty years later, we have gone back to our roots to strengthen and expand our sexual assault services in manistee, mason, lake and oceana counties.in order to support survivors in their healing process, cove provides comprehensive sa services including: 24 hour crisis hotline: during calls, staff listens to survivors and provide emotional support, resources, referrals, and options for sexual assault survivors. Emergency crisis response: cove offers its own in-house sane (sexual assault nurse examiners) unit. The self-funded sane unit offers forensic medical exams and evidence collection within 120 hours of a sexual assault by forensically trained nurses. As the same time, a sexual assault advocate walks alongside the survivor providing during forensic exams explaining the legal and medical process and coordination with police if the survivor chooses to move forward with legal reporting. Sane exams are provided free, to any survivor aged 12 and above. Supportive counseling: professional licensed counseling is offered to survivors in both individual and support group formats. Group counseling consists of non-traditional healing arts activities such as painting, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. Traditional individual counseling is provided to survivors as well. Survivors gain ideas, tools, and coping skills for their emotions through both individual counseling and healing arts groups. The counselor safety plans weekly and addresses physical and mental health needs. Advocacy and supportive services: advocacy is a key component to cove's sa services. Sa advocates offers legal, medical, and personal advocacy to survivors. Advocacy may include emotional support, financial assistance, safety planning, mental health safety planning, childcare, court support and coordination with external sources.