May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 

Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault benefit from counseling services. 

"Domestic violence and/or Sexual Assault are extremely traumatizing experiences and the emotional scars associated with this abuse can often outlast the physical impact.

Domestic violence and Sexual Assault survivors are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse or stress-related mental health conditions. Survivors can have upsetting memories or flashbacks, fear or a sense of danger that they cannot overcome. They may feel numb or disconnected from the rest of the world. Learning to cope with residual emotional pain and fears is essential to healing.

Breaking the isolation of domestic violence by seeking counseling and support from friends and family can help survivors to move forward. Counseling sessions provide a safe and confidential environment for survivors to express their feelings, thoughts and fears. Counselors are nonjudgmental who listens and can help survivors work through the things that they are experiencing.

Speaking with a counselor can help survivors deal with anxiety and find ways to relieve that stress. We can help to process traumatic memories or experiences so that it is possible to move on. They can also aid survivors in learning to regulate their strong emotions like fear and anger.

Group counseling can also be beneficial. Attending a group session can allow survivors to connect with others who have been through similar situations. Connecting with these people can reduce the feeling of isolation often created by abusers. Other survivors can also offer advice on how they got through tough situations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing such abuse, please contact the crisis line at 205-669-7233. We at SafeHouse of Shelby County will be glad to assist in getting the help for you!" 

-Wanda, Counseling Coordinator at the SafeHouse Shelter 

#SAAM

Safe At Home Auction

SafeHouse is on the front lines providing life-saving and life changing services to individuals and families escaping domestic violence. The COVID-19 healthcare crisis has shed light on the fact that not everyone is “safe” or “safer” at home. Throughout this crisis, SafeHouse has provided a safe and secure shelter for individuals and families escaping domestic violence.

Join us for our first ever online auction! Every dollar raised directly benefits victim/survivors and their families and allows us to continue providing critical services in our community. 

 Auction items include: 

• Signed Nick Saban football (Roll Tide!) 
• Signed Bryan Harsin football (War Eagle!) 
• Spa Packages 
• Assorted Gift Baskets 
• Much more to come! 

More information available on the auction website

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!