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Break the silence,
end the violence.

At Swain Qualla Safe, we understand that reaching out for support takes immense courage and strength. You’re not alone, and we are here to walk this path with you, offering compassionate care, respect, and confidentiality at every step.

Our comprehensive support services are tailored to your individual needs, whether you require immediate safety through our emergency shelter, help navigating complex legal processes, or someone to listen and advocate for your well-being. From crisis intervention and safety planning to emotional support and practical guidance, our dedicated team stands ready to help you regain control, heal from trauma, and build a future free from violence. You deserve safety, dignity, and a life filled with hope—let us help you find your way.

Shelter, Assistance, Feelings, Education

Services

Shelter, Assistance, Feelings, Education

Victim advocacy & case management

Our advocacy and case management services help individuals navigate legal processes, secure resources, and regain control of their lives.

Shelter, Assistance, Feelings, Education

Emergency shelter & safety

We provide a secure, confidential shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Swain County and the Qualla Boundary.

Shelter, Assistance, Feelings, Education

Prevention programs & education

Our prevention programs engage individuals, schools, and community leaders to recognize warning signs and challenge harmful behaviors.

Shelter, Assistance, Feelings, Education

Safety planning & crisis intervention

We provide a secure, confidential shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Swain County and the Qualla Boundary.

Additional services

Address confidentiality program

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is a program designed to help protect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or similar crimes by keeping their actual addresses confidential. It allows participants to use a substitute address, usually a P.O. box provided by the state, instead of their real home address for things like voter registration, driver’s licenses, and other legal documents.

Counseling

Safety and Options Counseling is designed to provide the survivor counseling to help them consider their options, identify their needs and wants and work towards achieving their individual goals. This may include referrals to other human services agencies for assistance such as housing, food stamps, medical assistance, childcare and employment, as well as assessing emotional needs as they heal from experiencing trauma.

Hospital accompaniment

SAFE staff are available to offer support, advocacy and assistance to victims while in the hospital for procedures such as rape kits, talking with law enforcement and communicating with hospital staff and present family members.
Who Swain Qualla Safe Helps

Who we help

At Swain Qualla SAFE, we deeply understand that reaching out for help requires courage and strength, and we want you to know that you are never alone. We serve survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Swain County and the Qualla Boundary, all ages, from all backgrounds, genders, income levels, cultural communities, and abilities. Our mission is clear: to provide free, safe, and confidential services, empowering you to regain control, rebuild your life, and find lasting safety and peace. Through public education, community collaboration, and proactive prevention initiatives, we strive to create a future where violence is not tolerated, and everyone can live safely and freely. Our vision is a community where survivors thrive, feel respected, and live with dignity, security, and independence. At Swain Qualla SAFE, your safety, empowerment, healing, and future filled with hope are our unwavering priorities.

Our process

1. Initial contact & intake

A survivor reaches out to SAFE via 24/7 hotline, walk-in, law enforcement, hospital, or another organization. SAFE conducts an intake assessment to determine immediate needs (shelter, legal assistance, counseling, etc.).

2. In-house services

If SAFE provides the necessary services that are needed (e.g., emergency shelter, advocacy, safety planning, referrals, support group), the survivor is served directly.

3. External referrals

If the survivor needs additional services beyond the in-house offerings of SAFE, SAFE will refer them to partnership organizations and others.

4. Follow-up & case management

SAFE checks in with survivors to ensure they are receiving support and assist with any additional needs.
Domestic Violence Stats

Referrals

The referral system within SAFE is designed to connect survivors with the appropriate resources and services they need. It typically works as follows:
Domestic Violence Stats

Legal support

For protection orders, custody issues, or immigration assistance, SAFE works with Legal Aid of NC.

Domestic Violence Stats

Medical assistance

For forensic exams, general healthcare, or specialized services, SAFE coordinates with local hospitals and doctors offices. Pregnancy resources are Life Choice Pregnancy Center of WNC and Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center.

Domestic Violence Stats

Housing assistance

Emergency, transitional, or long-term housing SAFE utilizes other local DV agencies, HUD and assistance with seeking out long-term safe, affordable housing.

Domestic Violence Stats

Employment & financial assistance

SAFE will help clients with job placement, education, and financial planning. (SAFE refers clients to Southwestern Community College for GED services and continuing education or NC Works-Career Center, Bryson City for job placement services)

Domestic Violence Stats

Child & family services

SAFE staff coordinate services with Advocates from Child Advocacy Centers and/or Social Workers from the Department of Social Services for child protective services, parenting support, or supervised visitation.

Domestic Violence Stats

Elderly victim support

Adult Protective Services, Swain County Senior Center, Swain County Senior Citizen Center Meals on Wheels

Domestic Violence Stats

Crisis support

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233, and www.domesticshelters.org

Domestic Violence Stats

Basic needs support

Food, clothing and resource services, Swain County Family Resource Center, Bryson City Food Pantry, Giving Spoon, Manna Food Bank

Domestic Violence Stats

Transportation assistance

SAFE provides referrals to local, affordable transportation services such as Swain Public Transit

Partnerships with other organizations

SAFE has Memorandums of Understanding with the following agencies:

Legal Aid of North Carolina
Reach of Macon County
Swain County Sheriff’s Office
Meridian Behavioral Health Services
Swain County Department of Social Services
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians-Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program
Blue Ridge Health Domestic Violence Intervention Program

You're not alone—your safety matters.

No matter how hopeless things may feel, there is a way forward. We are here to walk with you, to help you rebuild, and to remind you that you are not defined by what has happened to you. You are strong, and you deserve safety, respect, and peace.

Contact

Every Survivor. Every Step. Every Future.

Safety Matters

This website was funded by grant number 16.23 SA from the Human Trafficking Commission. The Human Trafficking Commission nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Human Trafficking Commission.

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Mailing Address:
PO Box 1416
Bryson City 28713
EIN:56-1454335

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