domestic violence services for victims

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence, you are not alone. Four million women are physically abused each year and many more suffer emotional abuse from their partner. National studies show that in 85-95 percent of domestic violence cases, a woman is abused by a male partner. However, we know that men and those self-identifying as LGBTQI/ same sex relationships are also victims of relationship violence; so we're available to offer services to all victims. Domestic violence crosses all boundaries of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, profession, income level, religious affiliation and geographic location.

It is common for someone being abused and criticized by their partner to feel isolated, depressed and even sometimes crazy. If you have these feelings, you need support. Family Services, Inc., has many resources to help victims become survivors, including:

	Family Services Shelter
	24-Hour Crisis Line
	Weekly Domestic Violence Information Classes
	Court Advocacy
	Crisis intervention for women and their children
	Adult and child support groups
	Cell phones for safety - 911 ONLY
	ADT AWARE Alarm Program
	Information, Support and Advocacy
	Community and Professional Education Programs
	Assistance with civil and criminal court proceedings
	Safe Haven-foster care for pets affected by violence
	Safety planning and safety checks
	Address Confidentiality Program
	Hospital Advocacy
	Victims’ Compensation Assistance
	Referral to community resources

Family Services Shelter
Abused women and their children are provided peace, empathy and emotional support after escaping a dangerous home situation. Professional staff helps clients regain a sense of self-worth and direction for their lives. Our services include:

	Family Services Shelter
	Support Groups
	Temporary Shelter 365 days a year to meet immediate daily living needs
	Skills enhancement services including parenting, budgeting, and transition to independent living
	Educational programs
	Referrals for medical, legal employment, financial, educational and housing assistance
	Follow-up services for women leaving the shelter
	24-Hour Crisis Line: (336) 723-8125

Personal Safety Tips for Victims of Domestic Violence
No one deserves to be abused. If things get out of hand, it's good to have a plan. Although each situation is unique, here are some suggestions to keep you safe.

When a fight breaks out:
	Move away from the kitchen, bathroom or any place where there are dangerously sharp objects.
	Plan the easiest escape. Decide on a door or window to exit quickly and safely.
	Find a neighbor, friend or family member you can trust to help you and your children, or to call 911.

If you decide to leave your partner, plan for safety:
	Contact us for information on how to plan for safety. Recognize that leaving is a process and may be risky for you and your children.
	Put some money away. Even if you only save a little bit every week, you need to have some money of your own.
	Make copies of important papers and leave them with a friend, neighbor or church. Some important items to have: bank account numbers, checkbook or check stubs, social security numbers, insurance policies, marriage license, divorce/custody papers, birth certificates.

Ways to stay safe on your own:
	Change the locks on your door.
	Learn about your legal rights. Contact this office or Safe on Seven for assistance with a protective order. If you obtain a protective order (50B), keep it with you at all times.
	Tell neighbors, friends, landlords or co-workers that you and your partner are no longer in a relationship.
	Have a safety plan for coming and going and share it with people you trust.
	Include your children in your safety plan and practice it with them.
	If your former partner harasses you at work, find someone to tell. Show a picture and ask them to call 911 if you former partner comes around.

Are you a victim of Domestic Violence? Does your partner...
	Embarrass you with bad names and put downs?
	Control what you do, whom you see or talk to or where you go?
	Stop you from seeing or talking to friends/family?
	Make all the decisions including money matters?
	Tell you everything is your fault?
	Scare you?
	Stalk you?
	Shove, slap, grab, hit, punch or force sex on your?
	Get upset when things don’t go his/her way?
	Harass you at your job, school, activities or online and/or call/text frequently to check up on you?
	Pressure you not follow through with court actions?

If the answer is "yes" to even one of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship. No one deserves to be abused and abuse is NEVER the fault of the victim. Everyone has the right to healthy, violence free relationships. Typically, things will only get worse without help. For your safety and the safety of your children, contact our crisis line for confidential assistance and someone to talk to about options.

Safe on Seven: Forsyth Domestic Violence Center
Safe on Seven: (SOS) Forsyth Domestic Violence Center is a multi-agency approach to provide services for victims of domestic violence. The Center is located on the seventh floor of the Forsyth County Hall of Justice, Winston-Salem, NC. The Safe on Seven Center provides a "one-stop shop" for domestic violence victims by bringing together key service providers from the criminal and civil justice systems, law enforcement, victim advocates, legal advocates and social services, providing access to a variety of services to victims in one centralized location.

Established in 2005 with a grant from the US Department of Justice, The Safe on Seven Domestic Violence Center was created to allow an integrated team to provide victims access to various services including the prosecution of criminal and civil domestic violence cases. Previously, victims had to seek out these services at multiple locations throughout the community. This concept will mitigate the stress and trauma domestic violence victims often face as they navigate through systems. The focus of the center is victim safety and offender accountability. Domestic violence victims will be able to obtain legal advice, referrals, protective orders, as well as information concerning their cases from law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office. The onsite collaborating community partners include the District Attorney's Office, Family Services, Clerk of Court, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Winston-Salem Police Department, NC Department of Community Corrections and the Winston-Salem State University Center for Community Safety.

Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:30 PM and 2:00 PM-5:00 PM. For screening for 50B, hours are 8:30-12:30 and 2:00-3:30.