Victims of Domestic Abuse Have Options Through DASO

Friday, 11 September 2015 08:45

DASO can help victims of domestic abuse in many different ways - all it takes is a phone call to get started.

OXFORD COUNTY - The issue of domestic abuse never really goes away.

Here in Oxford County there are resources available to help women and children in need. Executive Director for Domestic Abuse Services Oxford Rhonda Hendel says there was a great need for them last year. "There's always a need, there's always women coming to us. It's a daily thing. But our shelter occupancy was the highest last year that it's been for a while; it was over 90%. We like to run, in the shelter, about 75% occupancy which means we generally have a bed if someone needs it." The shelter caters to women and children escaping domestic abuse as well as women and children dealing with homelessness.

Hendel says too often they see the same pattern of behaviour from the aggressors. "A small number of men who are in a behaviour pattern of using power and control in their relationships. And they can impact a lot of women in their lives - consecutive girlfriends, other women: mothers, sisters. There's a lot of women in the family who are affected. So many of our women have lived in fear for their lives, of being seriously hurt."

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you are encouraged to reach out. Hendel says even if you do not yet want to leave your home, there is still so much more they can offer. "We talk to someone and it's not time yet, they need more time to think about it or to look at their options, or they're not sure what to say to family and friends. Then we're happy to help them with that. Call as many times as you want. You can make appointments and come to see us. We can talk about what's available in the communities - there are other services available in the communities."

Some of the services they can provide include transitional housing, sexual assault counselling, support groups for women, children, and teens, safety planning, and violence education and prevention. They also have outreach programs for communities throughout Oxford County. Their crisis line is 24 hours a day.

To find out more visit them at http://www.daso.ca/index.php