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END THE CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Growing Strong Through Knowledge 

It's a problem that knows no social boundaries or class distinction. It affects thousands of women and families. And yet, domestic violence is one of the most misunderstood crimes in our country and often the least obvious. That's why education is so important. It is the best defense against domestic violence - from identifying the signs, to understanding the cycle of abuse and the behavior of both the abuser and the victim. Only through understanding can we help families affected by Domestic Violence to fight back.

What is Domestic Violence?

A pattern of violence or intimidation in an intimate relationship by one intimate partner against another, designed to establish power and control over the victim. Domestic violence may be physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse or assaults.  We are working to remove domestic violence from our social customs and institutions. Some men believe they are entitled to use physical or sexual violence. Physical violence is seen as a way to create and maintain power and control.

Dynamics of Domestic Violence

Power and control are central to the issue of domestic violence. Tactics used to establish control include economic abuse, emotional abuse, isolation and threats, particularly around the woman's fear of losing custody of the children. Other tactics are isolation, minimizing, denying and refusing to take responsibility for his actions, e.g., "look what you made me do."

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Confidential Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

The YW operates two confidentially located shelters for women and children fleeing abusive homes. Counselors help these women make safety plans, obtain jobs or job training and work toward independence and self-sufficiency. The shelters serve Blount, Jefferson and St. Clair counties.

Call our 24 hour Crisis Line at 205-322-4878 or 1-800-650-6522

Court Advocacy Program

This program links a victim, whether in a shelter or still at home, with a professional advocate who provides guidance through the often-intimidating legal system. Advocates work with judges, prosecutors and police departments, and also refer appropriate batterers to counseling programs offered by other agencies. Court advocates also offer support during the PFA process.

Blount County: 205-274-7446 
St. Clair County: 205-338-8808
Jefferson County: 205-322-9922

Crisis Line 322-4878

The YW maintains a 24-hour crisis line answered by staff and volunteers trained in crisis intervention. Callers are instructed on how to plan for the safety of themselves and their children. If you would like to volunteer for our Crisis Line, please click here.

Domestic Violence Community Outreach

The YW seeks to promote awareness of domestic violence and dating violence and works in cooperation with other urban outreach organizations serving domestic violence victims.  The urban outreach education groups and information sessions at locations throughout the community as well as assisting women finding housing and temporary financial assistance due to domestic violence.  If you are interested in attending one or more of the YW’s domestic violence support group sessions or would like to arrange for a speaker for your school or special interest group, call 205 322-9922 ext. 338

Healthy Relationships

The YWCA Central Alabama offers the Healthy Relationships Program for area middle schools and high schools. The program provides dating violence education to middle and high school aged youth. Participants are given information on the warning signs of an abusive relationship and on how to end unhealthy dating relationships. 

SOAR (Survivors Overcoming Abusive Relationships)

SOAR is a volunteer group of domestic violence survivors whose mission is to promote, advocate and work for the elimination of domestic violence and provide a voice to battered women everywhere. SOAR provides a way for women to bring about real change in the systems that allow domestic violence to exist. This is primarily accomplished through participation in local public education efforts, speaking engagements and working with the media to promote the message that violence against women is not acceptable. Click here to request more information.

Support Group for Victims of Domestic Violence

Support group sessions are offered once a week during the day and evenings for women who are victims of domestic violence.   Topics include self-esteem, assertiveness, characteristics of batterers, the cycle of violence and healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. If you are interested in learning more about the YW support group for domestic violence victims, click here to send an email request or call 205 322-9922 ext 316.

Rural Advocacy and Outreach

The YWCA Domestic Violence Services has offices located in Blount (205-274-7446) and St. Clair (205-338-8808) counties.  These offices offer court advocacy, legal services, outreach and prevention services to victims of domestic violence, and assist isolated rural victims in accessing social services and safe housing.

Children in Crisis

Launched in September of 1994, CIC aids children and teens who have witnessed domestic violence in their homes. Weekly support groups address topics such as how to be safe in an unsafe home, self-esteem and anger management. Children and teens often model the behavior in their homes, thus the YW attempts to interrupt this learned behavior. Advocacy for children and teens is also a component of this program. To learn more send an email inquiry here or call 205-322-9922.

Legal Advocacy for Victims

The YWCA Family Law Center provides comprehensive civil legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence. Staff attorneys provide direct representation and advocacy on issues such as divorce, child custody, housing, public benefits and immigration.  In addition to these services the YWCA's Justice on Wheels program offers legal assistance to domestic violence victims in rural areas. 

Supervised Visitation

The YWCA provides supervised visitation and exchange to victims of domestic violence, their children and family members by providing an emotionally and physically safe environment where children may visit with their noncustodial parent. During the visitation, the noncustodial parents visit with their children in the presence of a visitation monitor who is responsible for observing and ensuring the safety of those involved.

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