MARSHALL — Despite the restrictions brought on by the necessity for social distancing to fight the novel coronavirus, people still have the need for critical services.

Services are still being provided at New Horizons Crisis Center on Fifth Street in Marshall — they are geared toward the safety of clients and providers, said Roberta Wyatt, the crime victim services program director for NHCC.

“We are open remotely to serve victims of crime and sexual assault in Lyon County, Redwood and Murray and Lincoln counties,” she said.“We will continue to provide advocacy and referral services. We are open to serve all victims of crime and sexual assault via our 24 hour crisis line, 507-532-5764.”

The agency is doing a combination of in-person and remote services.

Wyatt said NHCC will go to the hospital with the sexual assault victim if needed.

“We will walk them through that process if they want,” she said. “We will be present with law enforcement when and if they choose to do an interview. We will go through the court process with them as advocates. Everything from the explaining the jargon to them to being a friendly face.”

With all these “hands-on” services, changes have to be made in light of the novel coronavirus.

“Our director, Carrie Buddy, wanted to be proactive as the tide was turning last week,” Wyatt said, “We met with our board and we have amazing people on the board including (Lyon County Sheriff) Eric Wallen to be prepared for what we have next.”

So the advocates are working remotely from home and if the person wants to meet at the office, they can still do that.

We have screenings,“she said. “We make sure that there are no compromising health issues, either with the clients or the advocates.”

Parenting time, where noncustodial parents see their children under supervised conditions is still taking place, Wyatt said.

“We are screening them as well,” she said, “and practicing social distancing.”

Policies can change depending on conditions.

“It’s a day-by-day call, as is everything else,” Wyatt said. “We’re operating in the best interests of our clients. That’s always foremost. Making sure everyone is safe and taken care of. But the services are still important to provide.”

Wyatt said if a client called in with a domestic violence issue, they would be referred to WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs.

A common service that NHCC provides is helping with orders of protection. If the client doesn’t want to come into the office, the paperwork can be bundled and handed off at the door.

Wyatt doesn’t know at this point if the need for services will increase as a result of people being cloistered at home because of the COVID-19.

“Time will tell,” she said.

Wyatt said April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“We’re still planning to put up the teal ribbons on lightposts where we have a presence,” she said. “We’ll probably have a day where we ask people to wear teal, even if they are staying at home.”

Brianna Holmquist at Southwest Minnesota State University, who is now a back-up advocate for Lyon County while the schools are closed, is putting online an exhibit called “What Were You Wearing?” Those willing to participate can still submit their stories via email at nhcc-smsu@iw.net. The exhibit will be on NHCC’s Facebook page. In addition, any updates to policies will be on the Facebook page and provided to media outlets.

Wyatt said New Horizons is always looking for volunteers.

“April is also volunteer appreciation week,” she said.

In addition, she is grateful for the ongoing Federal support of the program as well as local funders, Otto Bremer Trust, United Way of Southwest Minnesota and Southwest Health and Human Services.