Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is a non-profit organization providing services for people affected by Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault since 1978.

 

1978:	In 1978, Vilas County Probation and Parole officers met with representatives of Lakeland Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse to discuss their concern for the growing number of domestic violence incidents.  The need for additional services for victims and their children was identified as well as the need to coordinate current services to victims.  A self-help group was formed and an educational workshop conducted.
1979:	In January of 1979, as a result of an organizational meeting addressing domestic violence, a Tri-County Task Force was formed.  Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit organization to serve the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Forest, Oneida, and Vilas Counties.  The agency hired two employees.  Women and children in need of shelter were housed in local homes or motels.
1980:	Tri-County Council rented a shelter home in Rhinelander.
1985:	Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, a shelter house was purchased and occupied in December 1985.  Sexual assault services were added with the financial assistance of a Block Grant.
1987:	Outreach offices in Crandon and Eagle River were established to provide improved access of services to residents of Forest County and Vilas County.  The shelter building in Rhinelander was remodeled, increasing sleeping quarters and office space.
1990:	The remaining mortgage on the shelter house was satisfied.  Services continued to grow as additional grant funding became available.
1998:	Additional grants were awarded to Tri-County Council to increase domestic violence services in Vilas and Forest Counties.  Funding was received from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault to participate in a statewide educational campaign to prevent sexual violence.
2000:	Improvements were made to the shelter building as the result of grant awards.  The main office was moved from the shelter location, resulting in increased space for residents.  One bedroom on the main level is designated specifically for clients with mobility problems.  The shelter now sleeps 16, plus sleeping quarters for night staff.
2001:	Additional improvements to the shelter building were made including improved safety features, a dishwasher, a new furnace, and central air conditioning.  In the summer months, air conditioning is a critical issue when the security system is activated and all windows must remain closed.
2002:	Today Tri-County Council remains an integral part of our local community, providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.  Our is no charge for services.  Those services include: Temporary housing, food, support and advocacy Crisis Intervention – 24 hour Crisis Hotline Emergency transportation Advocacy for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault including legal, personal, and medical advocacy Information and referrals to other community resources Weekly peer support group meetings Assistance with Judicare and crime victim compensation applications Educational programs and presentations

The Future: 

Our program began with volunteers – people concerned about the safety of their community for victims of abuse.  Through the years, volunteers continue to be the driving force behind our agency, working to see that Tri-County Council continues to provide these critically needed services to victims in our area.  Our program continues to depend heavily on volunteers for a wide range of service to the agency, from serving on the Board of Directors to providing hot-line coverage to providing office assistance or shelter coverage.  These volunteers believe in our mission and give selflessly to help make our local community a safer place to live.  Thank you for what you do.  Without you, Tri-County Council would not survive. 

 

Thanks to all who help make a difference!