Q: Why doesn't she (the abused woman) just leave?
Q: When someone calls the hotline, is it confidential?
Q: When someone seeks help from The Bridge for a family violence or sexual assault
situation, do you contact the police? Do you contact the abuser?
Q: How long can a woman or family stay in the emergency shelter?
Q: How long does a woman or family usually stay in emergency shelter?
Q: Do children need to change schools when they move into the emergency shelter?
Q: How does a woman qualify for the long-term housing program?
Q: Do women have to be documented as legal immigrants?
Q: Is your program state licensed?
Q: How much do the clients have to pay for these services?
Q: How do you meet the unique needs of children in crisis situations?
Q: What age children do you serve?
Q: How do I arrange for a speaker to address my group?
Q: Are presentations provided in other languages?
Q: Do people ever report abuse during a presentation, and if so what happens?
Q: Why doesn't she (the abused woman) just leave?
A: There are many factors that make it difficult for women in abusive situations to leave. Many times, the abusive partner has kept the woman financially dependent. Either he does not let her work or attend school, or he controls any money she does bring in and does not let her make any financial decisions. Isolation also makes it difficult for a woman to leave. Her partner may have slowly isolated her from friends and family, leaving her without resources and without a support system. Fear brought on by threats such as, "You will never see your children again," or "I will hurt or kill you or a family member," make it hard for a woman to see any way out of her situation. Low self-esteem from repeated emotional, mental and physical abuse compound these issues. Finally, many women stay because they do love their partner and hope that he will change.
Even when a woman makes the choice to leave, she can face many barriers such as lack of employment or income, lack of affordable childcare or transportation and low self-esteem. Statistically, a woman and her children are in the most danger when they are fleeing the violent situation. In addition, navigating through the legal and social service systems can seem overwhelming. These barriers make it critical for a family in need to receive caring, informed support. The Bridge can serve as that necessary lifeline to empower families to overcome barriers and rebuild their lives.
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Q: When someone calls the hotline, is it confidential?
A: Yes, absolutely.
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Q: When someone seeks help from The Bridge for a family violence or sexual assault situation, do you contact the police? Do you contact the abuser?
A: We will not contact the police unless asked. We will never contact the abuser.
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Q: How long can a woman or family stay in the emergency shelter?
A: The shelter stay is flexible as long as women are working on their goals with their caseworker. After the first month, a woman can apply for an extension if she needs more time and has been making progress. Typically, 6 months is the longest stay.
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Q: How long does a woman or family usually stay in emergency shelter?
A: Approximately 50% of clients come and go in the span of 48 hours. The average stay is 33 days. The Bridge has noticed that the average length of stay for clients has increased over the past 3 years. This indicates that clients are receiving more services and more opportunities for learning, which increases the likelihood that they will break the cycle of violence.
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Q: Do children need to change schools when they move into the emergency shelter?
A: Sometimes, depending on the children's safety and the transportation available. A Children's Advocate works with the family and the school to determine the best situation for the family.
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Q: How does a woman qualify for the long-term housing program?
A: Criteria include:
Q: Do women have to be documented as legal immigrants?
A: No, services are provided regardless of immigrant status.
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Q: Is your program state licensed?
A: The children's program located at the emergency shelter is exempt from licensure; however, we do follow state guidelines regarding health and safety, and we operate as if we were licensed. The program at Destiny Village, the long-term shelter, is licensed by the state and follows all regulations.
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Q: How much do the clients have to pay for these services?
A: Clients at the emergency shelter are offered all services free of charge. Clients in long-term housing are charged for childcare and rent depending upon income and their ability to pay. These rates are always significantly lower than community rates. Children at both facilities are always invited to participate in groups, transportation, and enrichment activities whether or not the parent is able to pay for childcare.
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Q: How do you meet the unique needs of children in crisis situations?
A: Children's services are provided in a safe, nurturing environment. Childcare activities provide a healthy outlet for children and help them to develop positive social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills. The Children's Advocate develops a personalized case plan for each child and ensures their needs are met through school advocacy, transportation, tutoring, support groups, and one-on-one and family counseling.
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Q: What age children do you serve?
A: The childcare centers serve children from 6 weeks to 12 years. Other services such as counseling, support groups, referrals, and transportation are provided as appropriate to children and teens ages 6 weeks to 18 years.
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Q: How do I arrange for a speaker to address my group?
A: Contact the Community Education Department by calling 713.472.0753 at least two weeks prior to your program.
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Q: Are presentations provided in other languages?
A: Yes, presentations can be provided in Spanish.
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Q: Do people ever report abuse during a presentation, and if so what happens?
A: Yes, individuals often share their experiences regarding domestic violence and sexual abuse. Both staff and volunteers are trained to work with individuals regarding outcries; all information is confidential. (If the individual is a minor a report will be made to Child Protective Services, and if the individual is age 65+ or an adult with mental/physical disabilities, a report will be made to Adult Protective Services in compliance with state law.)
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