HAVEN To Open Expanded Shelter For Victims Of Domestic Violence

PONTIAC (WWJ) - Victims of domestic and or sexual abuse will soon have a new, expanded shelter to find safety.

HAVEN President and CEO Beth Morrison says the average sufferer has to go to 28 different facilities, get "reliving the trauma and abuse over and over again," to have their needs met, but the 36,000 square foot Haven facility will provide many services in one place.

"We are going to be able to offer a more comprehensive programming right here at one-stop shop model; by offering in addition to our shelter and counseling, an advocacy program with our partner agencies offer medical care and career counseling," said Morrison.

HAVEN receives about 4,000 calls a year.

Dr. Tracy Thompson knows first hand how beneficial this new shelter will be: "I did not realize the marriage I was in was so tumultuous, so horrible that I was going to be in a place where I was going to get some assistance. HAVEN was there and I just engulfed in love."

There will be a number of newer amenities, such as a safe entrance to individual family rooms and even a meditation garden.

The facility is expected to open by November.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help or shelter you can find help [HERE].

In:
• Sexual Abuse
• Pontiac