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Rural Resilience: How Safe Haven is Redefining Healing

Posted on Apr 15, 2026

Save Have Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Center

In the rural landscape of Shawano County, nestled between three Native tribal communities, “safety” isn’t just a word—it’s a daily mission. As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the Women’s Fund is proud to highlight the work of our partner, Safe Haven, as they lean into the theme ’25 Years Stronger.’ Together, we are addressing the unique challenges rural survivors face through the transformative power of trauma-informed care.

Through a 2025 Impact Grant, the Women’s Fund specifically supported Safe Haven’s efforts to provide culturally rooted advocacy and traditional healing for Native American survivors of abuse. Safe Haven serves as a vital sanctuary where victims of domestic and sexual violence find compassionate, knowledgeable advocates. Their approach is truly holistic, offering free, confidential services that are driven entirely by client choice for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We are honored to invest in their mission as they empower survivors to heal on their own terms.

Breaking Barriers in Rural and Tribal Communities

Geography and jurisdiction create complex hurdles for survivors in Shawano County. Native communities face disproportionate rates of violence, and reporting can be challenging due to longstanding systemic barriers and historical inequities.

“It is not our job to judge,” Mindy Lohff, Executive Director of Safe Haven shared. Whether a survivor chooses to report to the police or not, Safe Haven is a sanctuary. Through a coordinated community response, partnering with the Sheriff’s Office, Shawano Police, Tribal Police, and the DA’s office, and more, they are working to ensure the justice system is trauma-informed. This includes the vital creation of a SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) and the introduction of SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nurses to provide specialized medical care.

Meeting Survivors Where They Are

At Safe Haven, you don’t have to “earn” support. Services are voluntary, confidential, and free. Mindy shared that survivors are in the driver’s seat. They help clients with barrier planning, where clients can decide how long they need to stay in shelter, which is highly flexible, and how advocates can support them in their goals.

Between 2022 and 2025, more people have reached out for help. This doesn’t indicate an increase in sexual violence, but in reporting. In 2025, Safe Haven served 46 adults and 54 children with 3,491 nights of stay in shelter, 1,030 more nights than 2024. They also do a variety of outreach services such as advocacy, support, help with restraining orders, court proceedings, securing housing, and more to help people live free of abuse.

In 2026 alone, Safe Haven has already worked with 70 clients – 26 of who have indicated they have endured sexual abuse at some point in their lives, eight below the age of 17 and 41 clients were provided with shelter.

Cultural Healing and the Women’s Fund Impact

Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. In partnership with the Waking Women Healing Institute, Safe Haven hosts Talking Circles to support the cultural practices of the tribal communities they serve. These groups are a cornerstone of recovery, often beginning with a family meal before breaking into child and adult groups.

The Women’s Fund trusts us to do the work. They support the work we do to meet immediate, real-world needs of clients. By partnering with experts like Waking Women Healing Institute, we can provide culturally specific supplies for group, support our staff, and meet our clients where they need us. Studies show that group therapy is one of the most healing spaces to be.

A Message to the Community

Sexual assault thrives in silence. When we talk about it, we diminish shame. Safe Haven encourages everyone to remain open-minded and willing to learn. Knowledge is power, and by knowing more we can do more to support survivors and those in crisis.

To the Survivors:

Safe Haven is ready when you are. You can stop and start your journey whenever you need. As one survivor shared: 

I am able to sleep peacefully here. I am safe. Everyone believes me and I never feel needy.

How You Can Help

Funding for rural shelters is increasingly fragile. To keep these doors open and these Talking Circles moving, your support is vital.

By partnering with organizations such as Safe Haven, the Women’s Fund is able to make real change now for women and girls within the Fox Valley Region. Through partnerships, we are able to support those who are assisting clients head on and stand behind them on their journey of care.

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