“You only cry for help if you believe there is help to cry for.” – Wentworth Miller
On Sept. 18, 2018, just over 2,070 survivors of domestic abuse sought and received help from 47 domestic violence programs across Indiana’s 92 counties. In this 24-hour period, more than 600 callers to hotlines – 26 per hour – got to talk to someone who could help.
However, on that same day, 230 requests for help had to be denied because of insufficient resources or staff. Almost 90% of those were for someplace safe to stay. (Source: Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Research shows the majority of victims of intimate partner violence don’t ever ask for help. Leaving an abuser is incredibly difficult – emotionally, financially, physically. So when a victim does ask for help, can you imagine what it must feel like to be turned away?
Worse yet, according to HHS, 40% of the people who are killed by their abuser had asked for help in the two years before their death.
Sheltering Wings doesn’t turn away anyone who may be in life-threatening danger.
Thanks to generous support, we staff a 24-hour helpline every day of the year. When someone calls and we discern they are in danger, we get the caller (and their kids) to safety and shelter right away. If they cannot get here on their own, then we get creative. Police officers, Lyft drivers, pastors and concerned neighbors have all provided transportation.
Once here, they get a clean, comfortable room behind (several) locked doors, medical care as needed and connections to legal assistance. When possible, we even work to arrange care for their animals since no one wants to leave behind a beloved pet.
In 2019, support from donors made it possible for Sheltering Wings to answer 1,499 crisis calls, offer 142 adults and 112 children safety, and educate over 16,300 students about domestic violence and healthy relationships. Volunteers served an estimated 3,750 hours. And 66 adults and 64 children (54% of all residents) moved on to safe, independent housing after an average stay of 87 days.
If you’re abused, get this Safety Plan in place so you’ll be ready for a quick exit. If you’re ever in immediate danger, call 911. Whatever you do, don’t remain in a place where your safety is at risk. Ask for help. You deserve it.
SHELTERING WINGS 24-HOUR HELPLINE (317) 745-1496
