For Immediate Release
November 21, 2007

Contact:    Rick Liebel
                Public Relations and Development Director
                814 455-1774x 234
                814 881-6530 cell

SafeNet Recommends these Holiday Tips
to Keep the Stress Low

Everyone is expecting the holidays to be full with joy and celebration with family and friends.  However, it often can bring overwhelming stress.  SafeNet, Domestic Violence Safety Network recommends the following:

   1-  Keep things simple.  Activities that do not require excessive planning are
        not complicated, allow people to relax. 

   2-  Focus on spending time relaxing with family and friends.  Avoid
        overscheduling holiday activities and allow time to be alone.

   3-  Keep cost low and find activities that are free.  Financial pressure tends to
        escalate family tension.  Sightseeing, making home-made decorations and
        enjoying television specials are little or no cost activities.

   4-  Focus on the needs of others.  Inviting friends or neighbors to spend an
        evening can reduce tension.

   5-  Make gift giving about sharing the moment.  Avoid buying expensive gifts
        and waiting in line for hard to get presents that will be easily purchased in
        January.

   6-  Avoid alcohol abuse.  It can escalate family tensions
                       - source YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program.
                         The 24 hour hotline for SafeNet is 814-454-8161.

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.

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.