How much do your services cost?
All services at Bridges to Safety services are provided free of charge. There is no filing fee when filing for an Order for Protection.
What are Bridges to Safety's hours?
We provide services from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you need help after hours or on weekends or holidays, please call the St. Paul Intervention Project 24 hours a day at (651) 645-2824.
Do I have to be in an emergency/crisis situation to get help at Bridges to Safety?
Absolutely not. You are welcome to come to Bridges to Safety any time during our office hours for support and resources from our partners.
Can I get help at Bridges to Safety if I don't live in Ramsey County?
If you would like help and resources from one of our domestic violence advocates, you are very welcome to come. However, if you'd like to file an Order for Protection, either: a) you need to live in Ramsey County, b) your abuser lives in Ramsey County, c) the abuse happened in Ramsey County, and/or d) you've had a family court action in Ramsey County with the abuser. To access help from legal aid, you do need to live in Ramsey County. If you need to file an OFP or access any other services in counties outside of Ramsey, our advocates will be glad to help you find the resources you need.
Can I come to Bridges to Safety even if I don't want to file an Order for Protection?
Yes! We offer many different services for domestic violence victims at Bridges to Safety. Filing an Order for Protection is just one
facet of our services and is always optional.
If I come to Bridges to Safety do I have to report the abuse to the police?
No. Making a domestic violence police report is entirely up to you and your particular safety needs. All of our services at Bridges to Safety are optional.
Do you provide shelter services at Bridges to Safety?
Bridges to Safety is not a battered women's shelter. However, we are partners with all of the shelter programs in Ramsey County. If you need emergency shelter, we will work with our partners to find you, and your children, safe shelter.
Do I need an appointment?
No, you do not. Walk-in participants are more than welcome. Feel free us ahead of time at (651) 266-9901, if you have any questions.
However, if you are seeking an Order for Protection, we highly recommend that you make an appointment with the Second Judicial District Court Domestic Abuse and Harassment Office ahead of time, if possible, by calling (651) 266-5130. Let their staff know that you would like to schedule your appointment at Bridges to Safety, if possible. If you will need an interpreter, let the staff know when you make your appointment. Plan on the OFP process taking at least two hours, probably longer if you are a walk-in.
If you need an Order for Protection on a walk-in basis, we recommend you come to Bridges to Safety when we open at 8 a.m. or right at 1 p.m. All walk-in OFP participants are helped on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to help you with an OFP without an appointment. However, you will be able access our other services such as advocacy and legal services on a walk-in basis.
Do you have more information about Orders for Protection?
Frequently Asked Questions About Orders for Protection.
Can I take my children with me to Bridges to Safety?
Yes, your children are very welcome! We offer supervised, fun care for children from birth to 12 years while you are receiving services with us, including snacks and juice for the kids.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me for support?
Yes, you are very welcome to bring someone along with you to Bridges to Safety. Please note, however, that our waiting room space is limited and we ask that you bring just one or two people with you for support.
Is Bridges to Safety a safe and secure place?
Yes. Everyone who comes to Bridges to Safety must go through Ramsey County Courthouse security, including a metal detector. In addition, Bridges to Safety's office space has a number of security features to keep you safe while you're here.
