Survivors Outreach Ministries has a zero-tolerance policy

We are fully aware that survivors of domestic violence may exhibit behaviors due to chronic trauma that can lead to psychological personality traits such as increased aggression, depression, distrust, alienation, tendency to withdraw and isolation, impaired self-protection,  poor social integration and substance abuse. If you are experiencing any of the above we may refer you to a provider that can address these behaviors clinically and or substance abuse treatment in conjunction with our services and advocate for you with them and your children. However, other distributive behavior  will result in involuntary discharge from our services and possible other consequences depending upon the severity of the behavior.  

Disruptive behavior is any inappropriate behavior that interferes with the functioning and flow of work of Survivors Outreach Ministries. Any behavior that impedes a advocate or volunteers ability to provide care, obstructs communication, threatens the wellbeing of themselves or others, or causes damage to organizational property qualifies as disruptive. 

 In addition, inappropriate behavior includes misinformation given during the intake process claiming that you are a victim of abuse just to receive services and court advocacy which includes identifying yourself as victim when records, collaterals and court documents show otherwise or making false claims about opposing parties in a family court case or domestic violence case to obtain custody and or an injunction. Manipulating advocates, the court or other providers to obtain victim services will not be tolerated and maybe reported to other organizations and agencies to preseve the integrity of the domestic violence service field and to protect other advocates. 

**Examples of disruptive behavior include but are not limited to: 

1. Verbal threats or derogatory and/or threatening statements including but not limited to loud, obnoxious, and inappropriate conversations directed at advocates for assisting a victim with obtaining resources, injunctions, and providing them court advocacy. 

2. Physical acts of violence or aggression including intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment and/or coercion as well as any behavior(s) that make advocates, volunteers, or our partners feel uncomfortable and/or unsafe. 

3. Emotional abuse including attacks on a person's dignity, integrity, and competence.

4. Cyber Stalking of our advocates via social media, the website or by calling the organization to fish for information about one of our clients or one of our advocates/volunteers,  misrepresentation as an advocate or organization to get information, and organizational program information.

5. Throwing objects, tampering with and/or damaging property. 

6. Theft

7. Any behavior that impedes Survivors Outreach Ministries advocates and volunteers ability to meet with individuals and/or provide safe and effective care.

8. Possession of weapons on the premises including guns, knives, or anything that can be classified as or used as a weapon.

9. Brandishing weapons on our premises or at our advocates  including guns, knives, or anything that can be classified as or used as a weapon.

10. Possession and use of alcohol or illegal substances while on premises or in the presence of an advocate/volunteer. 

11. Excessive and unreasonable demands on advocates time, multiple back to back phone calls, excessive emails and messages sent to the website client chat, yelling or aggressive communication in the form of text, emails, and phone calls. This is a form of harassment and will not be tolerated.

12. Any form of threats, intimidation, harassment, or stalking by perpetrators, or third parties directed at our advocates or volunteers for offering services, or advocacy to one of our clients or individual that contacts us for services and support.