SAFE HOUSE

Every 15 seconds, a woman is battered by someone she loves in the United States. One out of four women live in violent homes. Fifty percent of women will experience violence at least once in their marriage.

Safe House for Women, Inc. opened its doors officially November, 1991. As of August 18th, 1992, 73 women and 79 children have sought shelter ranging in length of stay from one night to three months. An estimated 64 women have been provided Legal Advocacy services, which involves assistance and support in obtaining protection orders and filing criminal charges.

The 24-hour Hot-line has received 173 calls some of these calls have been for information concerning coming to the shelter at a later date, some calls have been answered with referrals to other shelters in the area, and some callers become residents, or just come in for support. Many of the calls are answered by the Police Department, who notify the shelter that a client needs safe haven from an abuser.

The Safe House serves Cape, Madison and other surrounding counties, and has approximately 16 beds, but can house more if the need arises through a local motel. Not only are victims provided with shelter and legal advocacy, but they are assisted with day to day living skills, nutrition information, parenting skills, referrals to other social service providers, such as counseling centers and Public Aid.

Impromptu, informal groups occur often, usually around the dinner table. More formal groups will start within the month for residents and other interested persons in the community, to cover topics such as the cycle of violence, myths about abusers and battered women, the generational effects of violence, goal setting, building self-confidence, and resume and letter of application writing. Child care will be provided.

Recently, the Safe House hired an Executive Director, Rebecca Payne. Payne brings with her eight years of experience in working with the domestic violence movement in many capacities, including Legal Advocate, Executive Director, and consultant for domestic violence programs. She will take on these responsibilities at the Safehouse.

Many of the shelter services are provided by volunteers, however. The Safehouse currently has 16 active volunteers, who answer the hot-line, provide support to clients, transportation and child care.

Because it is not a government-funded agency, Safe House for Women must depend on the good will of the people and businesses in the communities to survive financially. Approximately 50 percent of the budget comes from local donations.

For more information, the business phone number is 335-7745, and the 24-hour Hotline phone number is 651-1614.