How We Help Survivors of Domestic Violence

One out of every three women and one out of four men have experienced violence at the hands of an intimate partner in their lifetime. Domestic violence is tragically common, and when the safety of an individual or an entire family is at stake we are able to provide resources to help those in our care. We take a trauma informed approach, which includes realizing the deep impact of trauma, recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, responding by integrating knowledge about trauma into practice, and making efforts to not re-traumatize the client(s). We are also a member of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Emergency Shelters

Three confidentially-located emergency shelters and scattered safe houses provide a haven for victims and their families along with the support they need to start the process of healing. Residents are referred from schools, hospitals, other organizations, or are self-referred.

Support Services

Our emergency shelters offer comprehensive case management services and on-site groups that help survivors gain the long-term skills that enable them to meet everyday challenges after leaving the shelter. Topics include Budgeting and Money Management and Workforce Readiness. In addition, our shelters offer interactive educational activities and recreation for children, trauma-informed counseling, therapy and other mental health services, and art therapy, to name a few.

VOA-GNY Staff

Our skilled staff understands the emotional trauma that domestic violence can cause and are committed to providing the best care in the crucial time period that occurs immediately after a survivor leaves their partner. It is our policy to put every intervention in place to accommodate whoever comes through our doors. Many of our clients also suffer from trauma or mental health issues. Regardless of a person’s behavior—adult or child—our staff are trained to never disregard anyone.

We also do outreach in schools, community boards and prisons. Our aim is to educate the community so that domestic violence can be recognized early and those in crisis can get the help they need.

Addressing Brain Injury

Each year, an estimated 10 million adults in the United States experience domestic or intimate partner violence and 74% of these events involve injuries to the head or neck. VOA-Greater New York has begun a new initiative, in partnership with Safe Living Space, to screen individuals entering our seven domestic violence programs for possible brain injury and connect those who are showing symptoms of brain injury to the appropriate medical care. We also aim to fill a significant gap in the medical literature by publishing research that will educate and equip providers across professions to recognize and respond to brain injury.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when advocates join together to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage communities to take action against it. Volunteers of America-Greater New York is committed to educating the community and encouraging people to better understand myths surrounding the​ issue and learn the warning signs of domestic violence.

Make a donation now to help survivors of domestic violence and others in need or email info@voa-gny.org to get involved with your team or company.

IN THE NEWS

Op-Ed: The Link Between Brain Injuries and Domestic Violence

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