For Immediate Release
March 20, 2007

Contact:    Rick Liebel
                Public Relations and Development Director
                814 455-1774 Ext. 234
                814 881-6530 Cell

50,000 Americans a Day Seek Domestic Violence Help

On any given day some 50,000 American adults and children seek help from domestic violence programs such as shelter, housing and counseling. The National Census of Domestic Violence Services conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence and Harvard University questioned more than 1200 domestic violence programs. The survey found that during a 24-hour period of November 2007 - 47,864 received direct services from domestic violence programs; more than 14,000 Americans sought refuge in emergency shelters; 8,000 lived in transitional housing and more than 25,000 received non-residential services, including counseling. On an average month, SafeNet will serve

291 adult victims
72 children
1,103 adult counseling hours
238 children hours
804 shelter night
220 hotline calls
2,431 meals provided

SafeNet kicked off its 2007 capital campaign in January with a goal to raise 2 million to provide shelter, counseling, peace of mind and dignity for the clients at our emergency shelter. The project includes the addition of a 2,775 sq. ft. annex, which will have four additional bedrooms, four bathrooms, two new laundry areas, handicap accessible bedroom capable of sleeping four, kitchen, dedicated quiet area for adults, first floor playroom and a quiet area for older children and teens to do homework. This should increase the number served in shelter by at least 15%. We also want to purchase a piece of property adjacent to shelter for a secure outdoor play area, meditation, and additional parking. Thirdly, the renovation of the original shelter is to include renovation of kitchen and bathrooms, increasing office space, new concrete sidewalks and roof replacement. The public aspect of our capital campaign runs until December 2007.

SafeNet is not a homeless shelter, but a safe and confidential place specifically for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  From every city and township in the area, victims come to SafeNet seeking support, safety and shelter from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring at home.  After more than 30 years of providing shelter and many other supportive services, SafeNet knows first-hand that there is hope and there is help. SafeNet is Pennsylvania's oldest continuous running domestic violence shelter.

PLEASE NOTE: For interviews with SafeNet's Executive Director or any staff member of SafeNet, contact Rick Liebel, Public Relations and Development Director at 455-1774 extension 234 or email at rliebel@safeneterie.org.