Family Advocates, Inc.

Family Advocates, Inc. is dedicated to the eradication of abuse. Prevention and intervention services will be provided to victims and survivors of domestic, sexual, child, and elder abuse in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties. In the 1970's, a group of concerned individuals began talking about domestic abuse and our response to it. They started the Project on Domestic Abuse for the Grant County area Wisconsin. In March 1981, a 24-hour crisis line began with 72-hour safe homes.  The staff consisted of only a part-time director and volunteers. In August 1986, with the support of grants from the City of Platteville, WI, and Community Development Block Grant, a shelter was opened. The shelter was a two-story house where women were provided a safe place to stay for up to 30 days. This shelter was first designated for only Grant County, and was later expanded to include the residents of Iowa and Lafayette Counties. In 1987, money from the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) was received and the Sexual Assault Program was added. Two years later, in November 1989, an increase in VOCA funds enabled us to start the Children’s Services Program and hire a Volunteer Coordinator. In December 1989, Family Advocates, Inc. relocated to a larger building. The original building was then converted into two apartments for use as a Transitional Living House.  An additional home was later donated to the agency for Transitional Living as well. A Legal Advocacy Program was added in July 1991. In November 1995, we began a Domestic Abuse On-Call Advocacy Program to serve victims at hospitals and law enforcement agencies, as well as to work in conjunction with the existing Sexual Assault On-Call Program. Positions have changed over the years, and we now have over 20 staff positions, 9 of which are full-time. Residents are given an initial 45 day stay within the shelter; however, 90 days is the average stay. There are outreach offices in Darlington and Dodgeville, in addition to the shelter in Platteville. Family Advocates, Inc. serves over 400 men, women, and children annually On December 15, 2017, after 35 years of being an undisclosed location, Family Advocates, Inc. publicized the address of the shelter in Platteville. Our hope is to make it easier for victims to access services & seek safety. In making our location public, we also hope to increase community involvement in the issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse & elder abuse.

• 24 Hour Emergency Shelter
• Domestic Violence Advocacy
• Sexual Assault Advocacy
• Youth Programs
• Peer Counseling
• Legal Advocacy
• Case Management
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Community Engagement
• Campus Outreach