Not only does Safe Haven Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Support Center provide refuge at its shelter, it also has many outreach programs.
The Women Working It Out support group started in March.
“We wanted a group that would focus on women 45 and older,” said Stacey Cicero, Safe Haven executive director. “We were definitely seeing a need both in outreach and in the shelter. I think they’re coming forward more.”
The group meets every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and focuses on women who are being abused or have been abused. The women are offered goals for support, advocacy, education and safety.
IMPACT is a 16-week intervention and education program for women who use force. It is a closed and structured group.
“It is the only program where we charge a fee,” Cicero said.
The program began in May and addresses the needs of women who have committed domestic violence, which is typically in retaliation to abuse and those who have a history of victimization.
“We saw a need for it,” Cicero said.
The women have been arrested for domestic abuse or are referred to the program by the court, supervising agent or other source. Self-referrals are also accepted. Everyone must go through intake, assessment and other paperwork before joining the group.
Family Dynamics is a group that meets Mondays from 4-5 p.m., following a snack at 3:30 p.m. It gives parents and children the chance to rebuild relationships that have been changed by violence.
A new Family Dynamics group has been started on Saturdays from 9:30-11 a.m. The next meeting is Sept. 13.
“We have done special groups throughout the years,” Cicero said. “The trends go along with who the clientele is at the moment.”
The Thursday night women’s support group, which meets from 6-7 p.m., is for women who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse. It includes dinner from 5-6 p.m. for 30 to 35 people. Taking turns bringing the meals are First Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church, Zion Lutheran Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Women of Today.
A children’s support group meets at the same time.
“It helps to keep the support group together,” Cicero said. “Our support groups are very successful. One hundred percent said they knew more ways to keep safe and find resources.”
All groups have snacks, provide child care, and are free and confidential.
The shelter is always looking for volunteers and donations. Right now there is a great need for paper towels, regular coffee (no decaffeinated), and plastic forks.
The shelter opened its doors on Feb. 11, 2002, and by 9 a.m. the first family had arrived. In 2013 its served 55 women and 76 children, and had received 2,256 crisis calls.
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