Spring is just around the corner. What images does spring bring to your mind? Do you think of flowers, sunshine, cute fuzzy little animals, rainbows, a new beginning? You may have images of children playing outside, walks in the woods that are full of blooming plants and trees, just being outside in the warmth of the sun, shedding winter clothes for lighter brighter colors.

Do you have the opportunity to walk out of your home to play a game of catch with your child? Have you started your garden yet? Do you take advantage of the beautiful nights to sit outside, breathe in the cool, clean air while having some refreshments? Is it time to plan a pig pickin? These are normal activities that you may enjoy during the spring.

What does spring mean for domestic violence and sexual assault victims? It may seem that the coming of spring does not alter what is going in their homes. Does the change in season bring about different behavior from their partner or loved one? Probably not. An abusive relationship continues throughout the year, sometimes worse than other times, but always there causing fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Imagine that you want to go outside to have some fun with your children or grandchildren but cannot because your partner won’t allow it, you have bruises, neighbors have heard the fights, the slaps and kicks. This is what victims of domestic violence go through on a daily basis.

This spring is a time for renewal, a time of reflection and most of all hope. That is what our victims cling to: the hope that their situation will improve. Safe Space Inc. is here to help the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with offering not only our program services but hope. Hope for a new beginning, one devoid of violence. There is hope for all victims with your help.

We would not be able to serve the citizens of Franklin County without the support, financial donations and compassion shown by our community. The staff and I remain committed to assisting the victims and the community to make Franklin County safer and a better place for all citizens. Your support is greatly appreciated!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE MANY MANY VOLUNTEERS, DONORS, BUSINESSES, CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS, CHURCHES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE GIVEN OF THEIR TIME, MONEY, TALENTS AND CONCERNS TO THE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THAT HAVE PASSED THROUGH THE DOORS OF SAFE SPACE, INC AND OUR SHELTER.

THE STAFF OF SAFE SPACE

Safe Space, Inc. provides individual counseling, safety planning and group support to children who have witnessed domestic violence, experienced child/teen dating violence and/or sexual assault. The Child/Sexual Assault Advocate can meet with children and teens in their schools, at our shelter and through our agency office. Our Child/Sexual Assault Advocate and Prevention Coordinator work closely on education presentations on teen dating violence, healthy relationships, sexual assault/rape and bullying.

The Prevention Coordinator focuses on primary prevention in regards to Rape and Sexual Assault by increasing community awareness and educating students as to the risk factors, seriousness, danger, and prevention of sexual assault. The position is funded by a grant from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Injury and Violence Prevention Branch through the Center for Disease Control. It is our goal to prevent/stop first time perpetration of sexual violence as well as keeping first time victimizations from occurring. We hope to accomplish this goal by presenting content to community teens that is focused on changing knowledge, attitudes and behavior that support violence against women such as gender roles and stereotypes; media messages about women and men; and violence acceptance. We also plan to present content focused on promoting behavior we want others to adopt such as defining and supporting gender equality and healthy relationships. As the Prevention Coordinator I plan to bring my love for community education and experience working with teens together in an effort to change the stereotypes and norms associated with violence against women. To receive more information regarding this program, call our office at 497-5599. 

The Safe Space, Inc. Court Advocate provides our clients with a safe and private environment to tell their experience of domestic abuse, assist the client with information as to how the legal and social systems work, and of community resources and how to use them.  Moral support is provided to help develop the confidence necessary to use community resources, assist victims in documenting requests for actions and help victims generate and explore all available options and possible consequences.  Victims are helped to identify their own personal needs and we assist the victim with what they have learned about themselves and how to maximize safety plans. 

Our shelter for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence is a gorgeous, warm, welcoming home in a confidential location within our county. Occupancy varies from time to time in our home with the availability to house up to 15 women and children at any given time. During the last year, we were able to assist 105 women and children find safety, support and peace through our shelter. Our shelter is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by one full time staff member and six part-time staff members who are dedicated, trained professionals. The local community offers us great support in assisting these victims. Thank you to all who have helped in the past, those that continue to help now as well as those who will assist us in the future. If you would like more information on how you can help, please call our office.

The Variety Store at 304 E Nash Street is a resale thrift store that was created by Safe Space, Inc. to raise funds to support the domestic violence services provided to citizens of Franklin County and surrounding areas. Tax-deductible donations provided to the store from the community are carefully sorted, hung and pressed then sold at an affordable price to the public. Variety Store proceeds are the single largest source of discretionary funds supporting our non-profit agency. The funds raised through the store go to support the costs associated with providing support and services to local victims. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday, 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Please call (919) 496-7777 for more information on giving donations and the types of donations accepted.

Safe Space, Inc. is a full-service domestic violence program in the Ninth Judicial District, which consists of Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren Counties, and offers shelter for victims of Domestic Violence and their children. Safe Space is funded through federal, state, county, and private funds and through community donations. Thank you for your support.

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