We hope this section answers questions you may have.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us if you would like further information.

What do you want victims of domestic violence to know?

I am sorry that you have been a victim of domestic violence. You do not deserve to be treated that way. The abuse is not your fault. Nothing you do causes the abuse, and nothing you do will make your assailant stop or change. S.A.F.E. Place will not tell you what you should do. Please let us know how we can help you.

What does your organization do?

The primary purpose of S.A.F.E. Place is to:

 – Reduce domestic violence by providing temporary shelter, crisis intervention and support counseling, advocacy, education, and limited financial assistance by working collaboratively with other community agencies, coordinating available resources to assist the victim in leading a violence-free, self-sufficient lifestyle.

 – Provide training, consultation, and advocacy to community members whose work impacts on the lives of survivors.

 – Provide and increase community education, awareness and prevention of domestic assault. Work collaboratively with community leaders and service providers to change existing policies and laws which re-victimize individuals, further perpetuating violence, to ensure that domestic violence is treated as a crime, and to develop appropriate systems interventions which hold assailants accountable and ensure the safety of survivors and their children.

 – Clients receive counseling services to enable them to make informed choices about their situation in an environment of security and support.

What areas do you serve?

Our service area covers Calhoun, Barry, and Eaton Counties, in the State of Michigan. We will, however, provide services to any victim of domestic violence, regardless of where you live.

Do you assist only women?

We provide residential and non-residential services to all victims of intimate partner domestic violence. As long as you are the victim, not the assailant. We are here to ho help anyone who needs the assistance. All Races and Ethnicities, All Religions, All Gender Identities, All Sexual Orientations, 

How long can individuals or families stay at S.A.F.E. Place?

Our length of stay is 60 days. We recognize that is not enough time for many victims of domestic violence to start their lives over. Clients are encouraged to meet with our Survivor Advocate soon after coming to shelter to establish your individual goals and the best plan to work together to meet those goals. Our average length of stay is about 45 days. Even after you have left our shelter, we can continue to work with you if you wish. Our services and resources do not end because you have left the shelter. 

What about my children? May I bring them to the shelter?

Yes, if they are your minor children in your care.

What should I tell my children about staying at the shelter?

It is important to tell them that the abuse is not their fault. Also, tell them S.A.F.E. Place is a safe place to stay. There will also be other children at S.A.F.E. Place going through the same thing. Please let your children know that we have an outdoor playground as well as an indoor playroom. We have a children’s counselor on site that is available to help them and you through the process if you would like further assistance. This is optional and is not required. 

What should I expect when I first arrive?

A trained advocate will lend an empathetic ear, complete some paperwork with you, give you a tour of the shelter, and help you get settled in comfortably. This process typically takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. However, we do understand that every person is different and we treat every one on a case by case basis. If you are someone who needs longer to go through paperwork, we will respect that and work with you fit your needs. 

What do I bring to shelter when I come? 

At S.A.F.E. Place, we have a policy regarding the amount of belongings you bring into shelter with you. There are no exceptions to this policy. The most important thing is your safety. If you are able to gather belongings, identifying documents, clothing and essential items should adequately fit in the following: 

1-2 people may bring 1 bag

3-4 people may bring 2 bags

5+ people may bring 3 bags

One bag is the equivalent to one large black garbage bag or a large suitcase. Any smaller bags must fit inside the bag. We are limited to our storage in the shelter and are not able to store any belongings for you. S.A.F.E. Place will provide you with your basic hygiene, bedding and food needs. 

What should I expect while staying at S.A.F.E. Place?

You can expect a secure environment where you can make informed choices about your situation. S.A.F.E. Place will meet all of your basic food, shelter, and hygiene needs. All our services are free and optional during your stay. We do ask you to participate in a light cleaning daily commitment while staying with us to help maintain a safe and clean environment for everyone at the shelter. While food is provided, meals are not. We have onsite laundry (washers and dryers) and will provide detergent. We strive to make this feel as much like a home environment as possible even though we know it is still a communal living situation. 

What if I have never called the police?

You will not be denied shelter or services because you have not called the police.

What if I want to stay at home and just need someone to talk to?

That is okay, leaving an abusive relationship is a process that takes place over time. People have many reasons for staying in an abusive relationship. Regardless of whether or not you are ready to leave, we have trained advocates available on the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also provide support groups and individual counseling. Please ask a counselor about these choices when you call.

I think I need a Personal Protection Order (PPO), but I’m not sure. Can you help?

Yes. There is no cost associated with getting a PPO. S.A.F.E. Place’s Legal Advocates can explain the PPO process so you can determine if this is your best course of action. Legal Advocates can also help prepare the application for a PPO.

Do you provide counseling for assailants?

No. Our services are strictly for those who have been victims of domestic violence. Counseling for assailants is provided by Behavioral Health Resources and KPEP in Battle Creek.

A friend of mine recommended Couples Counseling. Is this a good idea?

We recommend that a victim receive individual counseling. It is not safe, physically, or emotionally for the survivor of abuse to be expected to share information in the presence of their abuser. This form of counseling often sets up the victim for further victimization by the abuser and the unknowing counselor.

Is there a fee for your services?

All services are offered free of charge.

Questions we haven’t covered? We are here to help.

Please call our crisis line available 24 hours a day at (888) 664-9832 or (269) 965-7233