MONROE - The number of people receiving services from Green Haven Family Advocates increased significantly last year, according to former Executive Director Alice Franks-Gray.
In 2009, 370 women, children and men were helped by Green Haven, which assists domestic abuse victims in Green County. That was 79 more than the number in 2008. Calls to the organization's crisis line also increased at about the same pace.
In 2008, Green Haven helped 248 women, 22 children and 21 men. The organization received 1,370 calls to its crisis line.
Franks-Gray, who left the organization Tuesday, said the numbers don't include children who also are affected by domestic violence.
She estimates that for every adult parent who receives services, an average of 1.5 children are affected by domestic abuse. Using her numbers, 405 children were impacted by domestic abuse in 2008.
In 2009, the numbers were substantially higher.
Green Haven provided services to 309 women, 16 children and 45 men. The organization received 1,694 calls to its crisis line in 2009.
The children in both 2008 and 2009 received direct services from staff or emergency shelter from Green Haven.
Franks-Gray estimated that 531 children were affected by domestic abuse in Green County in 2009.
Although she was quick to point out there is no excuse for violence in any situation, Franks-Gray said there probably were two reasons for the increase.
The economy, she said, was one of the reasons. Relationships that already are strained are put to an even greater test when one or both people are unemployed and they begin to worry about bills and money.
Another reason for the increase is the spotlight put on domestic abuse by Green Haven. Franks-Gray said the organization has made domestic abuse something people in Green County are aware of, and Green Haven has helped people to learn there is a way out of an abusive relationship.
"We've been doing a better job communicating an awareness of domestic abuse," she said.
For more information about Green Haven Family Advocates, or to receive assistance from the organization, call 325-7711 or (800) 836-9788.
Information also is available at the organization's Web site at www.greenhaven4help.com.
In 2009, 370 women, children and men were helped by Green Haven, which assists domestic abuse victims in Green County. That was 79 more than the number in 2008. Calls to the organization's crisis line also increased at about the same pace.
In 2008, Green Haven helped 248 women, 22 children and 21 men. The organization received 1,370 calls to its crisis line.
Franks-Gray, who left the organization Tuesday, said the numbers don't include children who also are affected by domestic violence.
She estimates that for every adult parent who receives services, an average of 1.5 children are affected by domestic abuse. Using her numbers, 405 children were impacted by domestic abuse in 2008.
In 2009, the numbers were substantially higher.
Green Haven provided services to 309 women, 16 children and 45 men. The organization received 1,694 calls to its crisis line in 2009.
The children in both 2008 and 2009 received direct services from staff or emergency shelter from Green Haven.
Franks-Gray estimated that 531 children were affected by domestic abuse in Green County in 2009.
Although she was quick to point out there is no excuse for violence in any situation, Franks-Gray said there probably were two reasons for the increase.
The economy, she said, was one of the reasons. Relationships that already are strained are put to an even greater test when one or both people are unemployed and they begin to worry about bills and money.
Another reason for the increase is the spotlight put on domestic abuse by Green Haven. Franks-Gray said the organization has made domestic abuse something people in Green County are aware of, and Green Haven has helped people to learn there is a way out of an abusive relationship.
"We've been doing a better job communicating an awareness of domestic abuse," she said.
For more information about Green Haven Family Advocates, or to receive assistance from the organization, call 325-7711 or (800) 836-9788.
Information also is available at the organization's Web site at www.greenhaven4help.com.