Help Available for Victims

posted 4/15/21 -- “COVID has been a nightmare for all of us, but it’s been an extra nightmare for domestic violence victims,” says Genesis House Community Education Manager Meg McIntyre.

McIntyre discussed the resources offered by Genesis House during Head Start parent meetings earlier this year.

“The ripple effect on victims has been horrible,” she said. “We are looking forward to this being over so we can properly care for victims.”

For many domestic violence victims, their home is the least safe place they can be, she added. In many cases, stay at home orders have trapped victims. Nationally, there have been more domestic violence homicides since March 2020 than in the last three years combined, McIntrye said.

Genesis House offers emergency shelter for both men and women as well as an after-care program. Many victims need to rebuild support structures after leaving an abuser and find value in connecting with other survivors. McIntyre noted the average victim leaves an abusive partner only to return between 7 and 10 times. This can put quite a strain on the victim’s other relationships, she said.

Genesis House also offers programs for schools to educate both boys and girls and a Men’s Anti-Violence Program. They also accept men in their shelter, she said.

Both phone and web chats are available and discreet, staffed by volunteers 24 hours a day. Chats can be initiated at www.genesishouseshelter.org. Victims can also call 440-244-1853 or 440-323-3400.