HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — You should feel safe with your partner.
However, we’ve learned more than a third of Alabama women, and a little under a third of men, experience some form of domestic violence from their partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Crisis Services of North Alabama is one of several non-profits to receive funds to help DV victims.
FOX54's Keneisha Deas spoke to a member of an organization advocating to end domestic violence while helping victims.
For Crisis Services of North Alabama, the funding is urgent and needed.
"This is a huge piece to keeping our doors open," said Crisis Services of North Alabama Development Manager, Adde Waggoner.
This agency covers Madison, Morgan, Limestone, and Jackson Counties.
The service area population, and the number of domestic violence incidents that occur, determined why there is a need. “Our shelters have remained full, and domestic violence has remained steady,” said Waggoner.
About $1.7 million was allocated to 18 non-profit agencies.
“Domestic violence is a trauma, and it’s an ongoing trauma, and it’s based on psychological and emotional manipulation,” said Waggoner.
Crisis Services of North Alabama is a resource for protection; however, there are more resources for victims.
“We provide a lot more than just a shelter, and those funds will go towards maintaining those programs that our communities rely on,” said Waggoner.
Programs include court advocacy, follow-up counseling which can come in the form of group or individual therapy. It's all free of charge.
“Having that therapy is incredibly important to that person...Having therapy and therapeutic outlets to heal from that continued trauma is just intrinsically important to overcoming the trauma itself,” said Waggoner.
If you, or anyone you know is in need of suicide crisis prevention, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1(800)-273-TALK.
https://youtu.be/TF-KzYiXUJw
[WEB EXTRA: CRISIS SERVICES RECEIVES FUNDING]
