Mountain Crisis Services

You’re Not Alone. We’re Here to Help.

If you or your children are experiencing abuse or feel unsafe, you don’t have to face it alone. Our advocates are available 24 hours a day to listen, support you, and help you find a path to safety.

We Can Support You

• Get to a safe place: If needed, we can provide access to a safe, confidential safe house.
• Create a safety plan: We can help you develop a personalized plan for you and your children.
• Understand your options: Our advocates can talk with you about your options and you decide what feels right for you.
• Navigate legal resources: When needed, we can assist with restraining order/child custody legal paperwork.
• Connect with resources: We can help you access community resources and services.
• Begin your healing journey: Confidential peer counseling is available to provide support along the way.

When You’re Ready, We’ll Be Here.

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and heard. Call our 24-hour hotline today. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. We’re here to listen and help without judgment.

Domestic violence and sexual assault crisis response, advocacy, and support is provided 24 hours a day by request of the victim, law enforcement, emergency room, and other community members. All services are free and confidential per Evidence Codes 1035 & 1037. Call our 24-hour hotline to speak with a trained DV/SA advocate.

Hablamos español. Línea de crisis de 24 horas: 1 (888) 966‑2350 · Oficina: 1 (209) 742‑5865. Más información en español →

How we help

• 24-hour crisis hotline — the only 24/7 domestic violence and sexual assault line in Mariposa County
• Emergency safe house — confidential Safe House, operating since 2002
• Transitional housing — for up to two years
• Peer counseling & support groups — individual, child, family, and group
• Legal advocacy — restraining orders/child custody, court accompaniment
• Forensic exam accompaniment — an advocate by your side/transportation
• Safety planning — for you, your children, and your pets
• Community education — prevention and teen dating abuse programs

At MCS, your pets can come too

Almost half of domestic violence victims are hesitant to leave their situation because it would mean leaving their companion pet behind. In Mariposa County, they don't have to. Mountain Crisis Services has made it possible for victims and their pet to leave their abusive situation and to obtain a safe haven for all. Once in the shelter, our pet advocate can assist you and your loving pet with pet care and any other needs. You and your pet deserve to be safe.

Emergency safe house

Since 2002, Mountain Crisis has offered an Emergency Safe House sheltering victims/survivors of domestic violence and their children. Participants receive case management and develop a service plan concentrating on self-sufficiency, increasing skills and/or income, and obtaining safe, affordable permanent housing. Participants also attend individual counseling coupled with support groups on topics such as life skills, domestic violence education, budgeting, drug and alcohol support, parenting, and co-dependency.

Who is eligible: adults 18 and older who are victims/survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault, in an emergency situation such as fleeing from a person that caused harm or having no place to go. You can bring your pet (dog or cat) if fleeing with an animal.

Transitional housing

Since 2012, Mountain Crisis has offered a Transitional Housing Program sheltering victims/survivors of domestic violence and their children. Participants can take part in the program for up to two years while receiving case management and developing a service plan concentrating on self-sufficiency, increasing skills and/or income, and obtaining safe, affordable permanent housing. Program fees (rent) are 30% of monthly income, and participants who successfully complete the program receive 20% of their program fees back to use toward permanent housing. Eligibility: at least 18 years old, verified income, and a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Legal advocacy

We provide legal advocacy and support to victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Our services include assistance with two types of protective orders:

• Domestic Violence Protection Act (DVPA) Orders: Typically used in cases involving current or former intimate partners. These orders may also address child custody and visitation.
• Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO): May be used in cases involving sexual assault, stalking, or other circumstances where immediate protection is needed.

Our advocates help you prepare restraining order documents, file them through the Superior Court, and develop a comprehensive safety plan tailored to your individual needs.

We also support victims throughout the criminal justice process. This may include accompanying you to court hearings, helping you understand the process, and advocating on your behalf with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office.

Counseling & support groups

The Counseling Program specializes in supporting victims and survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and sexual assault. Peer counseling is available on a one-on-one basis, by phone, virtually, or in a group setting.

Services include individual assessments and case management; individual, child, family, and group counseling; as well as referrals, support, and advocacy with community agencies. Advocates are available 24/7 to provide support at medical facilities and assist with law enforcement response.

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