Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence in our Community
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness that we have the power to end the cycle of domestic violence in our communities. Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in a relationship. The warning signs of an abusive partner include behaviors that physically harm, create fear, prevent a partner from acting how they wish to or forcing them to act in ways they do not want to. Domestic abuse does not look the same in every relationship, but a common thread is an abusive partner making harmful actions to gain power and control over their partner.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, but women are far more likely to suffer from it than men. More than 1 in 3 women in the U.S. have reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime. Due to the nature of domestic violence and how many victims end up isolated by their abuser, survivors attempting to escape are often left without anywhere to go and become homeless. Between 22 and 57% of all homeless women report that domestic violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness. This is heartbreaking. The immediate need for a survivor fleeing domestic violence is safety and support. This is doubly so for mothers who are fleeing alongside their children. Many victims are left without anywhere to turn to, and unless they are able to escape homelessness, they will be more likely to experience violence in the future.
As individuals, we need to do our part to break the cycle of domestic violence in our community and provide for victims of abuse. Below, Hearts for the Homeless has compiled a list of resources for victims of domestic violence and those who are homeless as a result of abuse.
Domestic Violence Program – YWCA of the Tonawandas
Carrel House – Transitional housing program
49 Tremont Street
North Tonawanda, New York 14120
(716) 692-5580; 24-Hour Hotline (716)692-5643
https://www.ntschools.org/cms/lib/NY19000908/Centricity/Domain/93/YWCA_Carrel_House.pdf
Helps residents of both Niagara County & Erie County New York. The non-profit provides housing and free counseling for children and women who have experienced domestic violence.
Kathleen Mary House
PO Box 2142
Blasdell, NY 14219
Call (716) 822-4101
http://www.kathleenmaryhouse.org/
The organization coordinates transitional living and low-income housing for domestic abuse victims and their children. In addition, case management and advocacy services are provided to residents.
New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline
100 River Rock Drive
Buffalo, NY 14207
800-942-6906
Domestic violence hotlines, specialized information, and referral
Transitional Services
389 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14222
Open 24 hours
P.A.T.H. (People Against Trafficking Humans)
pathofny.org
Faith-based with a mission to end human trafficking
Cornerstone Manor (Shelter)
125 East North St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
854-8181 xt. 100
Gerard Place
Contact Karen Kasperek, Director of Services
716-897-9948 xt 112
Focus on single parents, often victims of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse.
Haven House (Extension of Child & Family Services)
Haven House was founded in 1979 by the Coalition for Victims of Domestic Violence
(now known as the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence)
24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline Response for Erie County at 716-884-6000
(for shelter) or 716-862-HELP (4357).
Salvation Army (Shelter)
Women and children
960 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14222
716-884-4798’
211WNY.org or Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-888-696-9211)
Community Resource Specialist Hotline
24-Hour
We ask that our community join us in recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness month by spreading awareness of domestic violence. If you or someone you love needs help escaping a domestic violence situation, please use and share these resources so that you can escape or help someone escape an abusive situation.
If you would like to help Hearts for the Homeless continue in our mission to serve the less fortunate in our community and provide hope for the future for those who need it, donate to Hearts for the Homeless. With your help, we can change lives.