On October 1, Child & Family Services commemorated the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at its annual Shine the Light press conference.
With the pandemic continuing to affect each of us, this year has seen a great amount of uncertainty. While it is always difficult for a domestic violence survivor to escape abuse, the pandemic has exacerbated this challenge. As District Attorney John Flynn said, “With the abuser and the survivor together while staying at home, the survivor can’t reach out.”
Haven House has remained a constant support for those who need help. Over the last seven months, Haven House has not only continued operating, but also added new services. “In 2020, Haven House continues to provide essential resources and support for domestic violence survivors and their children in need of hope and safety despite the threat of coronavirus in our community,” said Sara Grady, Director of Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Services at Haven House. “In addition to providing services in person, Haven House used creative technology solutions to provide services via telephone and video conference, and to launch a 24-hour chat hotline.”
Throughout October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Haven House is offering a variety of tools to educate the public on recognizing and stopping domestic violence. This includes the Haven House Domestic Violence Awareness Speakers Series, which you can register for by clicking here. There are also frequent updates to the Child & Family Services social media pages with shareable facts, data, photos and other helpful information regarding domestic violence.
“[Domestic Violence] is everyone’s issue,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. “We all have a role to play. We all need to come together to address the issues of domestic violence. We as a community must stand up to domestic violence and let survivors know that hope exists for a better future.”
Our community helps Haven House give survivors of domestic violence the chance at a new beginning but it is the bravery and determination of the survivors that translates this opportunity into a reality. Haven House’s Shelter Supervisor Phuong Brady ended Shine the Light with a message of optimism and admiration. Phuong said, “Several survivors stated that Haven House saved their lives. I say that they saved their own lives by never giving up hope and having the strength to survive.”