Safe Berks (formerly known as Berks Women in Crisis) provides services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Berks County. All services are free, confidential, and available in Spanish. The agency has approximately 45 employees. We have several departments: Safe House, Legal, Counseling, and Education. The Safe House provides up to 30 days emergency shelter, counseling and referrals for adults and children. Safe Berks operates emergency hotlines in English and in Spanish 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The legal department provides courtroom accompaniment and legal representation for victims who file for a PFA (Protection From Abuse order). The Medical Advocacy Project provides a counselor/advocate on call 24/7 to meet with DV/SV victims who present at St. Joseph's Medical Center and the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. Safe Berks also provides free, confidential, trauma-informed (empowerment-focused) counseling to community clients who are victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as former participants in our residential programs The Education Department offers prevention programs, training, and community presentations that focus on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and other issues of oppression and social justice.
Mission Statement: The mission of Safe Berks is to provide supportive services for victims and eliminate domestic and sexual violence in Berks County.