MAY 15, 2008

COUNTY PROVIDES DOMESTIC ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICES

Recent family and sexual abuse intervention taken by the state of Texas against a fundamentalist sect prompts an update on abuse prevention efforts in Erie County.

Data on domestic violence is staggering. Family abuse includes any combination of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and/or financial abuse by one family member on another.

Family violence nationally occurs every 12 seconds. Two-and-a-half million Americans are victims. Locally, the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence has been working with many member agencies to eradicate domestic violence.

The Family Justice Center, which opened in May 2006, offers one-stop services for victims at 237 Main Street, Buffalo. In 2008, to date, the Center has served 411 intakes. Persons in need of assistance can call the Center at 558-SAFE.

Individuals with developmental disabilities are at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, and theft of their funds. Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled was the first agency to provide a SAFE House shelter facility for developmentally disables survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Agency services can be accessed by calling 877-1111, extension 56.

As May has been dedicated as “Older Americans Month,” it is important to add prevention and intervention strategies to combat abuse and violence directed at our older citizens. With persons age 65 and older making up the fastest growing segment of the national population, there will be an increase in the number of reported elderly abuse cases throughout this decade.

Victims of domestic violence and abuse can also obtain help from Haven House, 884-6000 and Crisis Services 834-3131.

The collective objectives of all agencies working to end domestic abuse and violence are to provide victims with a safe environment and empower them. Victim empowerment and self-determination are essential in realizing collective efforts to end domestic violence.

Family violence is a major factor affecting other social problems including juvenile delinquency and adult criminality. Abused children are more likely to establish violent homes and continue a cycle of violence. Events in Texas reemphasize the need nationally and locally to support those organizations dedicated to ending family violence and abuse.

County residents are encouraged to take advantage of the multiple and coordinated family violence and abuse intervention and protection services by contacted one or more of the agencies mentioned above.

As always, I welcome your comments on these and other county issues. Please contact my neighborhood office at 832-0493 or email at marinelli@erie.gov if I can be of assistance or information.

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