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Domestic Abuse Resources & Assistance
Speaking Out About Domestic Abuse
Speak up if you suspect domestic violence or abuse. If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you’re hesitating - telling yourself that it’s none of your business, you might be wrong, or the person might not want to talk about it - keep in mind that expressing your concern will let the person know that you care and may even save his or her life.
Do
- Ask if something is wrong
- Express concern
- Listen and validate
- Offer help
- Support his or her decisions
Don’t
- Wait for him or her to come to you
- Judge or blame
- Pressure him or her
- Give advice
- Place conditions on your support
Adapted from: NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Talk to the person in private and let him or her know that you’re concerned. Point out the things you’ve noticed that make you worried. Tell the person that you’re there, whenever he or she feels ready to talk. Reassure the person that you’ll keep whatever is said between the two of you, and let him or her know that you’ll help in any way you can.Remember, abusers are very good at controlling and manipulating their victims. People who have been emotionally abused or battered are depressed, drained, scared, ashamed, and confused. They need help to get out, yet they’ve often been isolated from their family and friends. By picking up on the warning signs and offering support, you can help them escape an abusive situation and begin healing.
Read an excellent review of some of the reasons an abused person can't break out of their abusive relationship, and some good direction on how to provide support on Dame Magazine's website. Before the first physical abuse occurs, there's usually some brain-washing to keep the victim stuck in place!
Resources
Be aware that all the resources listed below recommend that if your abusing partner monitors your computer usage or might do so, be sure to use computers at the library or another home. Even if you don’t wish to leave your relationship, if your partner hurts you or threatens to hurt you or those you care about, you BOTH need help. Domestic violence and abuse is never okay, never excusable. Do not hesitate to pursue assistance from any of these organizations. If you suspect abuse of a friend or a family member, please review these resources as well, to learn how you can provide the most effective help.
Also note that while there does currently exist a National Domestic Violence Registry, some of the links given on that web page lead to hacked websites. Until we can confirm that those sites have been cleaned up or the links removed, we will not post the link in this resource list.
A.A.R.D.V.A.R.C. - An Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection
This comprehensive site is for victims of violence, their families and friends, and the agencies and programs which serve them, both public and private. The goal of this website is to assist efforts to aid and support those trying to remove themselves from abusive situations and build healthier, stronger lives. For individuals, they hope to provide general educational and reference material as well as a comprehensive nationwide directory of services for "one stop shopping".
Web only: http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/gadv.shtml
Feminist Majority Foundation Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault Interfaith Hospitality Network National Domestic Violence Hotline Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire
Offers outstanding programs on many topics, including bullying, self-defense classes for women and much more. Phone: (912) 233-3000 The Salvation Army SAFE (Savannah Area Family Emergency) Shelter (Domestic Violence) Address is confidential, for clients only. ShelterListings.org Social Apostolate Union Mission: Magdalene Project Wesley Community Center
Promotes the economic, educational and spiritual growth of women, children and youth. Provides recreational and educational programs, day care for children, and support groups for women and families in crisis.
Listing of additional abuse help and resources
Web only: http://www.feminist.org/911/crisis.html
Address: 114 New Street, Suite B; Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (800) 334-2836
Web: http://gcadv.org/
Web only: http://gnesa.org/
Provides shelter for homeless families.
Phone: 912-790-9446
Address: 24 East 41st St.; Savannah, GA 31401
Web: http://www.ihnsav.org/
Phone: 800-799-7233 (SAFE)
Web: http://www.thehotline.org/
Web: http://www.rccsav.org/
Address is confidential, for clients only.
Provides shelter, food and clothing for the area's homeless population (women, children and men.)
Phone: 912-352-8366
Address: 3100 Montgomery St. Savannah, GA 31403
Web: http://www.salvationarmy-georgia.org/
Provides emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and a 24 hour crisis line. Offers individual counseling, support groups, referral services, legal advocacy, and preventive education.
Phone: 912-629-8888
Web: http://safeshelter.org/
Web only: http://www.shelterlistings.org/city/savannah-ga.html
Savannah, GA list of housing resources uncovered: Homeless Shelters, Supportive Housing, Halfway Housing, Transitional Housing, Day Shelters, Low Income Housing, Residential Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers.
Provides food and other assistance for area homeless (women and men)
Phone: 912-233-1877
Address: 502 East Liberty St Savannah GA 31401
Web: http://socialapostolate.org/
Emergency Shelter provides immediate temporary housing for those in the most need. The emergency shelter targets homeless men and women with children. Emergency shelter stay is a 90 day program and is designed to offer immediate relief from having citizens live on the street, in their cars, in abandoned houses, underneath bridges or other places not meant for human habitation.
Phone: 912-236-7423
Address: 525 E. 34th Street
Web: http://www.unionmission.org/
Phone: 912-236-4226
Address: 1601 Drayton St.; Savannah GA 31401
Web: http://www.wesleyctrs-savh.org/
Additional resources can be found on the nomore.org web site, at http://nomore.org/need-immediate-help/.