From the Executive Director

The Importance of Community Support in Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an issue that affects communities everywhere. Breaking the cycle of abuse requires more than intervention from professionals. It demands a unified effort from individuals, local organizations, schools, businesses, and law enforcement. When communities come together, they create safer environments and offer essential support to survivors. With the collective power of community involvement, lasting change becomes possible. So today I want to discuss the importance of community support in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.

"You help us teach kids how to stay safe."
"I enjoyed learning about breaking the chain of violence."
— Client Testimonials

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How Domestic Violence Harms Children

As we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s crucial to highlight an often-overlooked consequence of domestic violence: its impact on children. When children are exposed to violence, the consequences can last a lifetime. This article explores how domestic violence harms children and why it’s essential to have conversations with them about healthy relationships.

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Interview with a Sexual Assault Advocate

Tracey Bettis has been a volunteer sexual assault advocate for SafeHouse for 8 years, and she’s sitting across from me in the dimly lit SafeHouse interview room. This is the very room where Tracey has heard the stories of countless sexual and domestic violence victims—people who have come to SafeHouse for a forensic examination. But today, instead of listening and advocating for a client, Tracey is sharing her story for the SafeHouse website.

"I liked that I was safe and able to rest."
"I learned great organizational skills while I was there."
"The counseling was definitely beneficial."
— Client Testimonials

October is Domestic Violence
Awareness Month

Check out all the ways you can support SafeHouse below and join us in raising awarenss about the impact of Domestic Violence in our community.

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Support Survivors

Your donation helps provide critical services, safe shelter, and empowerment programs for survivors of domestic violence, giving them the resources they need to rebuild their lives and find safety.

Donate Now

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Raise Awareness with SafeHouse

Join us this DV Awareness Month! Check out our social media and the calendar below for events to help raise awareness and support survivors in our community.

Join Us

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Shelter Wish List

Physical donations can help us create a secure a welcoming environment for surviors. Please check out our Amazon Wish List to see our ongoing needs and wants.

Amazon Wish List

Last month we hosted our "September to Remember" Staff Development event, dressing in our finest '70s attire (see photo above)!

We enjoyed a presentation on work environment from SafeHouse board member and Southern Nuclear’s DEI Business Partner Kaitlin Giles. She led us in creating vision boards inspired by our ideal workplaces. Our Domestic Violence Counselor Madi Arnett, then gave an important session on safety planning.

We wrapped up the day with an exciting escape room game. These events are always great for team bonding and unity, and we always learn something valuable.

Thank you to our donors and supporters:

Hoover-Metro Kiwanis Club

Robert Railey

Latofia Parker

Charles Johnson

In August and September we raised: $5553.31

Upcoming

Tuesday, 10/1, 6 - 8 pm: Pelham National Night Out, Pelham City Park

Tuesday, 10/1, 6 - 8 pm: Shelby County National Night Out, Liberty Baptist Church, Chelsea

Thursday, 10/3, 6 - 8 pm: Alabaster National Night Out, AmStar Cinemas Parking Lot

Tuesday, 10/8, 5 - 8 pm: Calera National Night Out, Calera Courtyard

Wednesday, 10/9: 10:30 am - 12 pm: DV Awareness Class, Goodwater Youth Development Center, Coosa County

Thursday, 10/17, 9 am - 12 pm: DVAM at the Birmingham VA

Thursday, 10/17, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: SafeHouse October Facebook LiveStream, "What DV Looks Like"

Saturday, 10/19, 9 am - 12 pm: A21 Walk for Freedom to prevent Human Trafficking, Pelham Dog Park Pavillion

Tuesday, 10/22, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Montevallo National Night Out, Orr Park Pecan Grove

Tuesday, 1022: 6 - 8 pm: DV Awareness Class, Arc of Clay County

Saturday, 10/26, 10am - 3 pm: Alabaster Fall Festival, Larry Simmons Stadium

Work at SafeHouse!

Do you know of someone who would be a great addition to SafeHouse? We are currently looking to fill the following positions:

• Shelter Advocate--Weekends and Evenings

Please check out our page on Indeed to learn more and apply.

Crisis Line: (205) 669-7233 (SAFE)

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Get Help

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Get Involved

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Donate Now

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The Importance of Community Support in Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

"You help us teach kids how to stay safe."

"I enjoyed learning about breaking the chain of violence."

— Client Testimonials

"I liked that I was safe and able to rest."

"I learned great organizational skills while I was there."

"The counseling was definitely beneficial."