Safe Haven receives more
calls than in-house clients
PHILIPSBURG--It may be a good sign that very few battered women and children are taking up residence in the island’s only shelter run by Safe Haven Foundation but the calls for help and guidance continue to flow in.
Safe Haven Shelter Coordinator Aisheline Maduro told The Daily Herald, there are “seasons” when the shelter can expect abused women to seek refuge with their children from their abusers. These seasons include high stress times that are often connected to the heavy spending such as just before Carnival.
Days connected with love and togetherness, such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, also spark violence and abuse, she said. “We were busy before Mother’s Day but the last client left about two weeks ago.”
Numerous calls are received weekly from people seeking information about how to leave an abusive situation safely to help themselves or to assist someone who is being abused.
Maduro added that a number of calls are also for counselling, a service the shelter provides.
Commenting on the shelter’s relationship with the police, the coordinator said the contact has been good. “I can’t complain. We have established contact with specific detectives and clients are directed to go to them first.”
As for volunteers, Maduro said there aren’t many at present because the “low season” times are being used to renovate the shelter, carry out other needed works and plan awareness workshops.
Safe Haven shelter can be reached at 333 for emergencies, advice and counselling.
