Shelter for Domestic Violence Victims Needs Help

Haven House is the only domestic violence shelter in Sandoval County, New Mexico, serving over 1000 domestic violence victims and their children each year. They facility is currently able to provide shelter to only 20 residents in need a safe haven and they are desperately in need of help.

Haven House provides 24 hour crisis support to clients in need, as well as information about the court system, assistance with restraining orders, accompanying victims to court hearings, referrals to social service agencies, legal assistance and individual counseling

Domestic violence is a serious national issue. One out of every four women will be battered during her lifetime. During 2005, over 1,400 domestic violence incidents were reported in this county alone. Another 577 were reported to the Rio Rancho police department in Sandoval County during this time. Less than half of all domestic violence incidents are ever reported.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of fifteen and forty-four. Sixty-five percent of emergency room visits by women are due to injuries received during domestic violence. Nearly 50 percent of female homicides are committed by husbands or former husbands. Domestic violence is not limited to any class, profession, or level of education. The number of women in need of help is alarming.

Currently, the lack of space at Haven House is forcing them to turn away almost as many women and children as it accepts at the shelter. While the Haven House administrators do everything in their power to provide a safe destination for those turned away from the shelter, they are not always able to provide alternatives to the victims. This is a cause for great concern given the number of victims in need of assistance.

Haven House is in desperate need capital funding to enlarge their facility. The current 4,000 sq. ft. facility is unable to meet demand. Funding is needed to double the number of bedrooms, add a meeting room for client services, including support groups, life-skills training, and educational activities, add rooms for children's homework and therapeutic activities, ass a library for clients and provide space for counseling and legal advocacy.

Please let us not forget the victims of domestic violence. These women and children need, and women and children all across the country, need our help so that they too can live a life without fear. They deserve a life of dignity. I know. I am a survivor.