24/7 Crisis Line

704-961-7500

If you are in immediate danger, call 911!
You are not alone, our confidential 24/7 Crisis Line provides immediate support to individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Trained advocates are available day and night to listen, offer information and support, help you explore your options, and connect you with resources.

When you call, you can talk with someone who will listen without judgment and respect your choices. Whether you need immediate help, have questions about an unsafe situation, or simply need someone to talk to, you can reach out to us.

Support Groups

There are no support groups in operation at this time, we are looking for individuals who want to participate. We are researching the possibility of doing virtual support groups.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Life Skills Education

Our Life Skills Education program provides survivors with practical knowledge and tools to support greater stability, confidence, and independence. Through advocates, volunteers, and local resources in the community, survivors can develop skills related to:
• Financial literacy and budgeting
• Basic computer skills
• Parenting and family well-being
• Cooking, meal planning, and household skills
• Self-care and stress management
• Goal setting and personal development
• Independent living and problem-solving

Our goal is not to tell survivors how they should move forward. Instead, we provide information, encouragement, and practical tools so each person can make informed choices and work toward the future they envision for themselves.

Self-Love Empowerment Class

Rediscover your worth. Reconnect with yourself. Celebrate who you are.

Our Self-Love Empowerment classes provide survivors with a supportive space to focus on self-worth, confidence, healing, and personal growth. After experiencing abuse, exploitation, or trauma, it can be difficult to recognize your own strengths and remember that you deserve kindness, respect, and healthy relationships.

Through guided activities, group discussion, reflection, and practical tools, participants are encouraged to:
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Recognize their strengths and accomplishments
• Practice healthy self-care and self-compassion
• Explore personal values, boundaries, and needs
• Develop positive self-talk
• Learn to recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns
• Set personal goals and celebrate progress
• Reconnect with interests, hopes, and dreams
• Develop tools for managing stress and difficult emotions

Safe Shelter

When home is no longer safe, finding a secure place to stay can be the first step toward a safer future. Our emergency shelter provides a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for female survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and, when appropriate, their children.

Our shelter offers more than a place to stay. It is a space where survivors can step away from immediate danger, connect with trained advocates, and begin focusing on their safety, well-being, and next steps.

While staying with us, survivors may have access to:
• Safe and confidential emergency housing
• 24/7 crisis support and advocacy
• Basic necessities
• Life skills education
• Support and referrals for medical, legal, housing, and community resources
• Assistance with developing longer-term safety and stability plans
• Support in identifying personal goals and available options
We understand that every survivor’s situation is different. Our advocates provide support without judgment and respect each individual’s choices.
• We are unable to provide transportation from your location.
• If we can provide shelter, you will be required to meet
us at the local police department.
• Shelter space is not guaranteed under any circumstances.

Address Confidentiality

Protecting your privacy can be an important part of staying safe. The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) helps eligible survivors protect their physical address from being publicly disclosed. The program provides a confidential substitute mailing address that can be used in place of a survivor’s actual address for certain official purposes.

This added layer of privacy can help reduce the risk of an abuser, trafficker, or other individual locating a survivor through public records.

Our advocates can provide information about the Address Confidentiality Program. We have trained application assistants to help survivors understand eligibility and available protections and assist with their application.

Case Management

Support for where you are today—and where you want to go next. Our Case Management services provide individualized support to survivors as they navigate the challenges that can come with leaving an abusive, exploitative, or unsafe situation. A trained advocate works alongside each survivor to identify needs, explore options, set goals, and connect with resources.

Case management may include assistance with:
• Creating individualized safety and stabilization plans
• Finding safe and affordable housing
• Connecting with medical and mental health services
• Navigating legal and court-related resources
• Obtaining identification and important documents
• Community resources and referrals
• Developing goals for long-term stability and independence

You don’t have to navigate the next steps alone. We’re here to help you identify your options, connect with resources, and move toward the future you choose.

Safety Planning

Safety planning is an individualized process that helps survivors identify ways to increase their safety and prepare for different situations. Whether you are currently experiencing violence, preparing to leave, or working toward long-term safety, our trained advocates can help you explore your options. Safety planning may include:
• Identifying immediate safety concerns and available resources
• Planning for safer ways to leave or respond to an emergency
• Identifying safe people and places for support
• Planning for children and other family members
• Discussing housing, transportation, and financial safety
• Exploring technology, communication, and privacy concerns
• Connecting with legal, medical, and community resources
• Developing plans for ongoing safety and stability

There is no one-size-fits-all safety plan. Our advocates listen to your concerns and work with you to create a plan based on your circumstances, needs, and comfort level.

PREA Advocacy

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal law aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to sexual abuse in all U.S. correctional facilities.

Staff members are trained in the PREA reporting protocol. Our advocates understand that reporting or talking about an experience of sexual abuse can be difficult. Survivors are treated with dignity and respect.

For more information regarding the Prison Rape Elimination Act, go to: prearesourcecenter.org)

DV Assessments

DV Assessments are conducted to determine if domestic violence is present in the home. These may be requested by DSS, the court system, or an individual. This usually takes place after a domestic violence incident has occurred where children are present. Assessments are by appointment only. Two advocates are required to be conduct DV Assessments. Therefore, preplanning is required. An intake will need to be performed prior to the assessment; this can be done separately or in the same visit as the assessment. The appointment may take up to 2 hours, you will need to take the length of the appointment into account when you call to schedule your appointment. If you are referred by DSS or the court system, Esther House will not initiate contact; this is your responsibility. If you call and leave a message, please ensure your phone is set up to accept voicemail. After two attempts to follow-up with you, Esther House will presume you no longer require our services and will report accordingly to the referring agency.

Stanly County (Albemarle) 704-961-7502
Montgomery County (Troy) 910-571-0281

Court Advocacy

You don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Our Court Advocacy services provide support and information to survivors who are involved with the criminal or civil court system as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.

Court advocates can help survivors better understand the legal process, prepare for court-related events, and connect with appropriate resources. While advocates do not provide legal advice or make decisions on a survivor’s behalf, they can provide information, emotional support, and guidance throughout the process.

Court advocacy may include:
• Explaining court processes and what to expect
• Accompanying survivors to court when available
• Assisting with safety planning related to court appearances
• Assisting with filing for protective orders
• Offering emotional support before, during, and after court proceedings

Counseling Referrals

Healing after experiencing violence, abuse, or exploitation can look different for everyone. Our advocates can help survivors connect with qualified mental health professionals and counseling services that understand the impact of trauma.

Hospital Accompaniment

Our Hospital Accompaniment service provides compassionate, trauma-informed support to survivors who seek medical care following domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.

A trained advocate can accompany survivors to the hospital, provide emotional support, help them understand their options and rights, and serve as a supportive presence throughout the visit. The advocate will explain the forensic medical examination process and be present during the exam if the victim wishes.

Our advocates do not make medical decisions for survivors or provide medical advice. Instead, we are there to listen, support, and help survivors navigate their options while respecting their choices and privacy.