Organization: City of Santa Clarita
Date: July 18, 2008
Domestic Violence Center Sees Increase in Service
Hotline Calls, New Clients, Advocacy Numbers up for 2007-08
The Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley, currently celebrating its 25th year of service, has seen a dramatic increase in need and service provided in the Valley to women, children and batterers over the last year.
Calls to the Center's emergency hotline increased from 755 in 2006-07, to 910 calls in 2007-08. New office clients increased from 134 in 2006-07 to 148 and court and social advocacy cases increased from 73 to 109 during the same period.
The Domestic Violence Center also launched a high school support group for girls this year focusing on dating violence, healthy relationships, and self-esteem. The group had a high participation level and will be offered again next year. Also in demand is the Center's Spanish-language support group, with an increase from 40 to 53 participants served this year.
"It is unfortunate that there is a community need for these services but the fact is, we have seen the needs grow. Our Center continues to answer the call from our community and we will continue to provide the highest quality services for those who need us. We continue to rely on our generous community for donations that are greatly needed, especially now," commented Nicole Shellcroft, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley.
The Domestic Violence Center provides: emergency shelter for women and their children, a 24 hour hotline, women's support groups, crisis intervention, individual counseling, children's therapy, legal service referrals, a court approved batterer's program, community outreach education, and various community service programs. All of the Center's services are provided in both English and Spanish with the exception of the batterer's program.
The Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley achieves its goals through community awareness, education and assistance to families victimized by domestic violence. The center is a non-profit organization that relies substantially on private donations. Visit us on line at www.dvcsantaclarita.com or contact the Domestic Violence Center at 661-259-8175.
|
