The History of SafeHouse

It's Women's History Month, and we're taking some to reflect on the history of SafeHouse.

SafeHouse was founded by a group of concerned citizens who realized the great need for a domestic violence shelter in Shelby County. In 2003, the SafeHouse Board of Directors launched a multi-year campaign to construct much needed facilities required to carry out our mission and meet the needs of our community. In 2007, The Caroline E. Jackson Center for Women and Children opened a 56 bed emergency shelter offering immediate safe shelter for survivors and their children. SafeShelby SANE Clinic opened in December 2016 to provide sexual assault forensic exams and follow-up services.

Today, SafeHouse continues to grow and to provide life-saving services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2020 our staff assisted 450 clients. We can't wait to see where SafeHouse will go in 2021!

Talking About Teen Dating Violence

According to a recent study, 81% of parents stated they believe dating violence isn't an issue or that they were unaware that it is an issue. With 1.5 million high school students experiencing dating violence each year, it's important parents know the signs. 

• Your teen's dating partner checks in on them too often and doesn't respect your teen's privacy. The dating partner checks your teen's phone or insists on having their social media passwords.  
• You hear name-calling or other demeaning comments made by your teen's dating partner. 
• Your teen stops activities they enjoy, such as spending time with other friends or suddenly gives up a hobby. 
• You notice injuries that your teen doesn't want to talk about. 

How to Talk to your Teen
There are several ways to help a teen who is experiencing dating violence. 

• Listen and support. Be calm and reassure them that it is not their fault. 
• Show concern. A good phrase to communicate is, "You don't deserve to be treated like this." 
• Keep the focus on the behavior and not the person. "I don't like the way he talks to you." Instead of, "He tries to control you." 
• Educate yourself on teen dating violence. Love is Respect  is a great resource. 

SafeHouse has brochures on the topics of teen dating violence, healthy break-ups, and sexting as well as other informational materials about teen dating violence. Email Sarah for more information- sarahr@safehouse.org.  

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

1 in 3 adolescents in the US is a victim of physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. 

The month long theme for TDVAM 2021 is Know Your Worth. Know Your Worth focuses on healthy relationships and self-empowerment for all. Join us on Tuesday, February 9^th for Wear Orange Day. On this day, we will bring awareness to dating violence among teens and the hope for every young person to know that they deserve a healthy, loving relationship.  

-Sarah, Prevention Program Coordinator for SafeHouse 

Wear orange to raise awareness for this important issue. Use #KnowYourWorth and tag @SafeHouseShelby! 

Virtual Pet Parade

SafeHouse recently had our first ever Virtual Pet Parade. Our partners and supporters sent pictures of their furry friends in the cutest outfits and costumes.

Like most shelters, we are unable to accommodate pets. Victims who fear for their pet's safety are often hesitant to leave the pet behind. Our Case Managers work with a great organization called Shelby SafePet to help place pets in foster homes while staying in our shelter. 

Watch the Virtual Pet Parade below! 

National Stalking Awareness Month

What is Stalking? 

Stalking is one of the many forms that domestic violence can take. Much like domestic violence abusers, stalkers aim to use fear and intimation to maintain power and control over victims. The legal definition of stalking varies, but SafeHouse considers stalking to be an illegal behavior that may include intentionally and repeatedly following, harassing, telephoning/texting, or initiating unwanted communication with another person, while causing them to feel fearful or threatened. 

Stalking and Domestic Violence 

The Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center (SPARC) reports 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men have been victims of stalking. The majority of those victims were stalked by a current or former intimate partner. The stalking can begin before the abusive relationship ends, with separation intensifying the stalking. 

Get Help 

Take stalking seriously. 76% of women who were killed by a current or former intimate partner were stalked before the homicide. SafeHouse services are available to anyone being stalked by a current or former intimate partner. Our 24/7 crisis hotline is (205) 669-7233. To learn more about stalking, visit SPARC or The Stalking Resource Center. 

Graphic from SPARC 

#TheseHandsHelp

Each year, #TheseHandsHelp gives SafeHouse and our supporters a time to reflect on the year. 2020 has been difficult, but despite all the challenges SafeHouse has continued to provide life-saving services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims. 

Use your hands to help and not to hurt others. There are many ways to show your support for victims of violence. 

Make a donation to help fund our emergency shelter, SANE clinic, counseling, case management, legal advocacy and other direct service programs. Visit our website for more information. Text to Give is also an easy option. Just text SAFEAL to 414-11. 

The SafeHouse Wish List contains essential items needed for residents in the emergency shelter as well as clients who come through SafeShelby SANE clinic. Find our complete list here. 

Share our information. A vital part of our mission is to educate the community to prevent future abuse. Share our social media posts and our blogs with anyone who needs to know we are here. 

The crisis hotline is open 24/7 at (205) 669-7233.

 

#GivingTuesday

 Today is #GivingTuesday

2020 has been quite a year. Despite the global pandemic SafeHouse has worked hard to ensure our services remained available.

Through it all we have seen an increase in several of our services. Domestic violence breeds in isolation, so we know we have yet to see the full effects COVID-19 will have on victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Learn more about SafeHouse and how to donate by visiting our fundraiser page These Hands Help