Domestic Violence Shelters And Safe Houses Orlando FL

Domestic violence can occur in all kinds of families and relationships. Domestic violence occurs in both wealthy and low-income homes, irrespective of culture, gender, race, or religious denomination. If you or someone you know has been a victim of such violence, there are local shelters and safe houses, both public and private, that offer protection, support and information on how to leave abusive and violent relationships while protecting yourself and your family from further threats of physical violence.

According to a 1998 study on domestic violence, over twenty percent of all adult female respondents report that they have been physically abused by their male partner at least once in their life. The following information will inform you on how to locate and select the appropriate shelter or safe house based on your specific needs, locality and circumstances.

What Are Shelters and Safe Houses?

Domestic violence shelters and safe houses provide protection and support for victims of family violence by offering shelter, food and protection. Some shelters also provide social workers, legal services, childcare and even job training. All shelters and safe houses keep their location strictly confidential in order to avoid detection of your whereabouts by the abuser. Shelters and women’s refuge centers permit you to enroll with them without requiring you to reveal your real name, social security number or your home address.

Shelters are often converted homes that provide group living. Almost all shelters have shared common areas such as a kitchen, dining room, recreation area and laundry. Most bedrooms provide a dresser, bathroom, and closet area for clothing and personal belongings. Because of limited space and high demand, safe houses do not provide storage areas for their residents.

Locating a local shelter for most victims begins with a call to a domestic violence help hotline. These hotlines (such as 1-800-799-SAFE) have been responsible for saving lives and preventing further harm from occurring. For others, finding a shelter begins with contacting your local police department to report the assault. Unfortunately, many victims are afraid to leave or ask for help until it is too late.

Most shelters provide immediate access to specially trained abuse therapists who are educated in matters of domestic violence and can provide you with a referral to doctors and other types of therapists depending on your situation and needs. Most shelters are clean, safe, wheelchair accessible and free.

You will also get the opportunity to meet and share your experiences with other women similarly situated and who have experienced domestic violence. In this sense, there is an important bond and shared sense of community that reminds victims they are not alone in their search for safety and shelter. No matter how long or short your stay at the shelter, it is recommended that you continue to regularly attend your support group.


Taking Your Children With You.

Children are often the hidden victims in matters of domestic violence. According to the American Bar Association, every year an estimated 3 million children go through the trauma of witnessing their parent being physically assaulted by a partner.
Many victims of domestic abuse mistakenly assume they will need to leave their children behind if they seek help from a shelter or safe house. This is a fallacy. If you fear that your children will be in danger, emotionally or physically, most women’s shelters are able to provide a safe and clean shelter for children as well.

Mothers and their children are kept together and usually share a room or suite of rooms. Since the length of stay at a shelter is usually limited to days or weeks, most shelters assist their residents in finding alternative housing while educating the residents on their legal rights and available public resources. Moreover, you will be encouraged to participate in regular meetings in which you will have the opportunity to honestly and candidly share your experience, fears, hopes and concerns.

For more information on domestic abuses, therapy, divorce lawyers and the legal consequences of committing the crime of domestic violence, go to GotTrouble.com.