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What is Domestic Violence

Domestic violence or intimate partner violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior where one person controls another through violence, threats of violence, verbal or emotional abuse. In the U.S.A., a woman is battered every 9 seconds, and over 3 million children witness some form of domestic violence in their homes every year.

Controlling behavior consists of: physical abuse, name-calling, threats, and property destruction. It includes threatening children, other family members, and pets. Other examples are marital or relationship rape, any forced sexual act, or attempts at isolation from family, loved ones, and others.

Domestic violence victims come from all walks of life. They are rich and poor, male and female, of all races, religions, education levels, and cultures. What is universal is that the person who is supposed to love them is the person whom they fear. The message that children receive is that it’s okay to hurt or threaten someone to get what you want. These children are at a far greater risk of becoming abusers or victims themselves.

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, SAFE Shelter is available to answer questions, provide support, safety planning, and referrals. Calls are always confidential and we will never call you back. 24-Hour Crisis Line: (912) 629-8888

Emergency Shelter

Our SAFE Shelter house offers confidential, secure, temporary housing for women and children that are victims of domestic violence. We also provide shelter for men in need of safe temporary housing at an alternate location. We firmly believe that no one deserves to live in fear. Everyone, regardless of sex, race, culture, or religion, deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. We believe all victims of intimate partner violence deserve a chance to live violence free. SAFE Shelter is certified through the Governors’ Office of Children and Families and is a United Way Agency, and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Outreach Program/ Legal Advocacy

Our Outreach Program is for victims that do not require shelter but need legal advocacy and other advice. The Outreach Program advocates will assist with preparing Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs), meet you at the courthouse to file the order, be with you when you have been assigned a Superior Court Judge that will hear your request for protection in chambers (not open court) to set a hearing within 30 days of filing. Every outreach client is provided a pro bono attorney for the hearing. The Shield is a new community support group program, open to all current and past survivors of domestic violence. To contact the Outreach Program, please use the information here: SAFE Shelter Outreach Program 7373 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Bldg. 6, Suite 1 Phone: (912) 651-0004

Bi-Lingual Advocacy

SAFE Shelter entiende que la comunidad de Savannah tiene una gran población hispanohablante y cuenta con defensores bilingües. Nuestro defensor bilingüe trabaja en la oficina de nuestro Programa de Extensión, ubicada en 7373 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Edificio 6, Suite 1. Además, la línea directa de SAFE Shelter, disponible las 24 horas, cuenta con una línea de idiomas, que se utiliza para traducir si llama fuera del horario laboral y uno de nuestros defensores bilingües no está disponible.

SAFE Shelter understands that the Savannah community has a large Spanish-speaking population and has bi-lingual advocates on staff. Our bi-lingual advocate works out of our Outreach Program office located at 7373 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Bldg. 6, Ste. 1. Additionally, SAFE Shelter’s 24-hour hotline subscribes to a language line, which is used to translate if you call after hours and one of our bi-lingual advocates are not available.

Follow-up/After Care Program

Offered to families and individuals who are leaving the shelter. We provide check ins, workshops, case management referrals, and monthly support groups for two years. This continued support to families once they leave the shelter provides a safety net to reduce the likelihood of returning to the abuser.

Child & Family Advocacy

We understand that there may be more than one victim when It comes to domestic violence and that is why we have a dedicated Child Advocate on staff to also ensure their needs are met. The shelter’s Child Advocate provides opportunities for them to express themselves through art, writing, and weekly support groups.

Case Management

The core of a case manager’s role is empowering survivors by building pathways to long-term independence. Case managers do this by working with our clients to create individualized service plans, and connect them to critical resources such as safe housing, financial assistance, legal advocacy, counseling, childcare, and employment support.

Camp R.O.C.K.

Camp R.O.C.K. stands for Recognizing Our Children’s ‘K’reativity and offers nine, week-long indoor and outdoor camp sessions from June through July every year. All kids need a chance to just be kids. Especially children that have lived through domestic violence. SAFE Shelter’s Camp R.O.C.K. is for children ages 5 – 17 who have been directly affected by domestic violence.

Community Education

SAFE Shelter offers engaging community education programs throughout the greater Savannah area and surrounding towns. We partner with schools, colleges, churches, organizations, and law enforcement to raise awareness and start meaningful conversations. By educating and empowering our community to speak out against domestic violence we help create safer spaces and work toward ending abuse.

The Shield

SAFE Shelter, in partnership with Jewel Empowerment Institute, LLC, offers The Shield—a community support group for survivors of domestic violence. The Shield is open to all current and past survivors and provides a safe, welcoming space for support, healing, and empowerment. If you are interested in joining or learning more, please use the button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I call SAFE Shelter’s 24-hour hotline?

At SAFE Shelter you will find a caring, trained advocate who will listen to your experiences and offer support and options for you and your family. Every call is 100% confidential and answered 24-hours a day. Reaching out is a brave and important first step in improving your situation.

Are you in a safe place to talk?

Our advocates will confirm you are in a safe place and are able to talk. If your partner comes home while you are on the phone, hang up immediately and call back when you are able to chat safely.

Can you tell me what’s going on with your situation?

Being able to offer the best advice and options is dependent on our advocates understanding your situation. We know people call at many different stages in their relationships so understanding your current situation is very important.

If I call am I obliged to do anything?

No. We understand some callers just want information about shelter services or are just in need of someone to talk to. Often, the caller has a friend or relative who is a victim and are only looking for advice.

Will you call me back?

No. We NEVER call anyone back. If the abuser answers the phone it could put you in danger.

What if I speak Spanish?

No se preocupe, uno de los dos empleados hispanos de SAFE Shelter será contactado para atender la llamada. Si su llamada llega fuera del horario laboral y ninguno está disponible, SAFE Shelter cuenta con una línea de traducción en varios idiomas.

Not to worry, one of SAFE Shelter’s two Hispanic staff members are contacted to take the call. If your call comes in after hours and neither is available, SAFE Shelter subscribes to a language line, which is used to translate.

I have pets, am I allowed to bring them to the shelter?

Only certified services animals are allowed in the shelter, however, if you feel your pet is also in danger of being harmed by the abuser there are several vets who will assist by temporarily boarding your pet.

What if the typical timeline and process for being admitted into the shelter?

It completely depends on you and your needs. Some victims are not ready to come in to the shelter yet. We understand that and will provide safety planning and refer you to our Outreach Program.

If you are in need and are ready to take the next steps to come into the SAFE Shelter we will give you directions to a specific location and one of our advocates will meet you there and escort you to the shelter or provide directions to the shelter.

How long can I stay at SAFE Shelter?

You and your children may stay at the shelter for up to 30 days.

What does the Outreach Program offer?

Our Outreach Program is for victims that do not require shelter but need assistance with Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs). The Outreach Program advocates will prepare the orders, meet you at the courthouse to file the order, are assigned a Superior Court Judge that will hear your request for protection in chambers, not open court. A hearing will be set within 30 days of filing. Every Outreach client is provided a pro bono attorney for the hearing.

What is a Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?

A TPO is a Superior Court Order which may order the abuser out of the home; give the victim temporary custody of any children they share; in some cases provide temporary child support; and order the abuser to stay a minimum of 500 yards away from the victim for a 12-month period. If the order is violated the abuser may be charged with aggravated stalking which is a felony.

What is the Follow-up / After Care Program?

The Follow-up/After Care program is offered to families and individuals who are leaving the shelter. One of our Case Managers and Child Advocates will provide home visits and monthly support groups for two years. An on-site pod is used to store household items and furniture for those families or individuals who are usually starting all over again. The program can provide rent, utility deposit assistance, groceries, and bus tickets as well.

Lean In For Help

Please visit our Community Resources page for more information about local support networks that are available to help you and your loved ones.