Domestic Violence
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Hope Place.
Crisis Services of North Alabama's offers two shelter facilities (HOPE Place) that provides safe, confidential, emergency shelter to adults and their children who are fleeing their home due to intimate partner violence. If you have been abused or are in danger or under threat of danger, HOPE Place can provide safe and confidential emergency shelter. To access our shelter call our HELPline at 256-716-1000
Domestic Violence Responder.
The Domestic Violence Responder Program is a joint effort between Crisis Services of North Alabama and the Huntsville Police Department. The program is an innovative venture designed to bring help to victims and accountability to abusers. The program pairs victim advocates with patrol officers, creating a proactive force to combat and reduce domestic violence in the community. Specially-trained advocates provide on-the-scene support for adult victims and children exposed to abuse. Advocates are able to offer various support options at the time of crisis.
“Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it toward others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”
— Etty Hillesum
Children Witnessing Domestic Violence.
“Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.”
Children living in a home where there is abuse may overhear adults fighting, see bruises after the abuse is over, or witness the actual abuse. These experiences can have serious effects, including:
Behavior problems and problems at school
Feelings of guilt for not being able to stop the abuse
Depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health problems
Health problems even many years later
In addition, children who see abuse at home are likely to think that abuse is a normal part of relationships. They are more likely than other children to abuse someone or be abused when they grow up.
Children Who’ve Witnessed Domestic Violence therapy is provided at no cost to families. It is designed for children and teens from violent homes ages 5 and older. It provides a safe place for the child to share their feelings about both parents, learn healthier coping skills, and to help put the violence experienced into a healthier perspective. For more information, contact our Child Therapist at 256-716-4052.
Take the Step to Stop the Hurt.
Fear and shame work together to keep you silent. But, love shouldn’t hurt … Our Forensic Nurse Examiners are here to listen to your story and document your abuse.
Do you need a Forensic Nurse Examiner?
Forensic Nurse Examiners are specially trained to provide comprehensive care and forensic/medical examinations to patients who are in a domestic violence relationship. They use cutting-edge, forensic technology to document injuries. Patients can be seen without a law enforcement referral. Documentation of injuries is provided weekdays by calling HELPline 256-716-1000 and request to speak with a forensic nurse in order to schedule an appointment.