Lauren Berger, RESTORE Training Coordinator providing information for those looking for help in domestic violence situations.
Do you have information you could provide to those looking for help and assistance with domestic violence?
Each county has a designated agency which offers free, confidential services to survivors of any age, gender, sexual orientation, and regardless if the abuse is currently happening or long ago. Reaching out to their hotline or visiting their website can be a first step to get information on services, or an advocate on the phone could be a listening ear for processing a difficult situation. The biggest supports can also be family, friends, coworkers or fellow churchgoers — letting someone know what’s going on can be a source of support, and a resource for making a plan to stay safer.
What steps can people take to remove themselves and their family from a situation?
We know that domestic violence is based around one partner having power and control over the other. Therefore, when someone in an abusive situation tries to leave, it often becomes much more dangerous. Every person’s situation is different, so each survivor will know their own personal situation the best–what works for one person might not work for another. But over time, with careful planning, some options include: making a “code word” for children, friends or neighbors to alert them to call police; practicing things that get a survivor outside–walking the pet, taking out the trash, getting the mail; stashing important documents, medication, clothing and items for children at a friend or family member’s home; opening a separate bank account or securing a new cell phone, if possible; and obtaining protective orders from Family Court.
Is calling police always the best idea?
Not necessarily — because each situation is different and survivors’ personal approaches to healing aren’t going to be identical, some survivors choose to not involve law enforcement. We know that police response to a domestic violence situation could amplify the danger (for the survivor, any children, and including law enforcement officers), and as advocates we trust that the survivor is the expert in their own life. But in situations of acute personal danger, the most immediate response is law enforcement. Locally, our law enforcement partners work to have the most up-to-date information and regular training to best respond to domestic violence, and calling is always an option.
What resources are available to those in the GLOW region?
In Genesee county, the designated domestic violence program is the YWCA of Genesee County; their 24-hour hotline is 585-343-7513, and their website is http://ywcagenesee.org/what-we-do/domestic-violence/.
In Livingston county, the designated domestic violence program is Chances & Changes; their 24-hour hotline is 585-658-2660, and their website is http://chancesandchanges.org/
In Orleans county, the designated domestic violence program is Pathstone; their 24-hour hotline is 866-314-7233.
In Wyoming county, the designated domestic violence program is RESTORE; their 24-hour hotline is 1-800-527-1757, and their website is www.restoresas.org.
A nationwide directory is available at 1-800-799-7233, or at https://www.thehotline.org/. The national website also has articles, interactive material on distinguishing romance from abuse, and more.