The Steps
Non-Residential Support
Support, advocacy, and healing. For survivors ready to reclaim their agency and rebuild their lives.
About The Steps
Not everyone needs a place to stay. But many still need help.
The Steps is a Hill Country Crisis Council program that does not require shelter. It supports people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or child abuse.
Services include counseling, advocacy, legal support, and referrals to resources. Every service is provided with your comfort and consent in mind, because healing looks different for each person.
We serve residents of Kerr, Kendall, Kimble, Bandera, and Gillespie Counties.
What We Help With
Every person’s story is different. Some people reach out right after an assault, when emotions are high and safety feels uncertain. Others come months or even years later, carrying the weight of trauma for a long time. The Steps is here for both, because healing does not follow a set timeline.
We support individuals impacted by sexual assault or domestic violence who may not need shelter but still want safety, counseling, and advocacy. We also help parents caring for children who have experienced abuse, as well as people facing legal concerns such as protective orders, custody, divorce, or immigration. For those involved in the justice system, our team provides guidance through court processes and updates on their cases.
Many people come to us for help with the emotional effects of trauma, including anxiety, grief, shame, or changes in identity. Others need practical support like housing, food, job training, or education.
No matter where you are in your journey, The Steps offers choices that fit your needs. Every service is provided at your pace, in a safe and judgment-free space. You do not have to go through this alone.
Recognizing Abuse
Abuse is not always obvious, and it can be confusing for victims. Understanding the patterns and warning signs can help us recognize when someone may be in danger and in need of support.
Warning Signs of Abuse
- Constantly checking a partner’s phone, email, or social media without permission
- Extreme jealousy, possessiveness, or attempts to control your time and social life
- Constant belittling or put-downs that damage confidence and self-worth
- Explosive tempers, frequent mood swings, or unpredictable aggression
- Isolation from family and friends, or false accusations designed to manipulate
- Physical harm, intimidation, or repeated pressure to have sex without consent
If these signs sound familiar, you are not alone. Hill Country Crisis Council provides free and confidential counseling, advocacy, and resources. Call 888-621-0047 anytime.
Sexual Assault and Consent
Consent must always be informed, voluntary, and ongoing. Being asleep, intoxicated, pressured, or unsure means there is no consent. Phrases like “maybe” or “not yet” should always be taken as a no. Consent for one act does not equal consent for all acts.
Child Abuse Warning Signs
- Unexplained injuries or unconvincing explanations for injuries
- Sudden changes in behavior such as fear, withdrawal, or aggression
- Fear of going home or reluctance to be with certain adults
- Risk-taking behaviors such as drug use or car
What to Expect at The Steps
When you connect with The Steps, you can expect support that is survivor-centered and led by your choices. From the very first conversation, our team will listen to what you need and help you decide which services feel right for you.
Getting Started
Your first step is often the hardest. Whether you call, walk in, or are referred by another agency, you’ll be welcomed without judgment or pressure. Together, we’ll talk through your immediate concerns; whether that’s safety, emotional health, or legal questions, and create a plan that feels right for you.
Professional Care
Every member of our team is trained in trauma-informed care. Our advocates and counselors provide guidance, resources, and support without ever taking decisions out of your hands. We can connect you to legal aid, counseling, or simply be a listening ear, whatever feels most helpful in the moment.
Ongoing Help
Healing doesn’t happen all at once. You may come back for counseling, advocacy, or resources many times, and that’s okay. The Steps is here as long as you need us, offering steady support as you move forward.
Who We Work With
The Steps serves individuals across the Hill Country who:
- Are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or child abuse
- Want therapy or support services without needing shelter
- Need help navigating the justice system or applying for legal protection
- Are trying to rebuild their lives after trauma with access to community resources
- Want to work with someone who listens, advocates, and empowers—not dictates
At The Steps, we partner with survivors in every stage of healing, offering respect, choice, and the resources needed to reclaim control and move forward.
