Crisis Intervention
Domestic violence is a horrific problem that includes child abuse, teen dating violence, spousal abuse and elder abuse. It is not just a family matter…it is a crime. It not only impacts those involved in the abusive situation, but our communities as well. On a typical day, three women are murdered by their spouses or partners, and thousands more are injured. Domestic violence does not just affect adults. In Orange County alone, 36% of domestic violence emergency calls are made by children. Domestic violence does not just affect women; a federal study shows that 10-15 percent of high-school aged boys are abused by their girlfriends. Almost 50% of domestic violence results in injury to the victim. Not only are the victims affected; domestic violence can provoke anger or depression in family members of the abused individual, often resulting in a vicious cycle of violence.
Aware of the prevalence of this horrific treatment of women, men, children, and elderly, Change a Life Foundation has made it their mission to assist their partnering non-profit organizations who specialize in crisis intervention, in a steadfast attempt to diminish these appalling statistics. Too frequently, domestic abuse occurs and the victims are unable to act. Isolation, fear of the abuser, financial issues, and children involved in the situation, are several factors which contribute to why individuals in abusive relationships do not seek help. By providing a refuge, resources, short-term vocational training or crisis intervention, the Foundation was able to assist numerous victims in getting back on their feet in 2008.
Last year Change a Life Foundation funded a Financial Literary Training curriculum for 400 domestic violence clients. The Foundation provided a safe place for 115 battered women and their children to go when there were no available beds in shelters, and was even able to fund assisted-living for a victim of domestic violence who was disabled. Victimized families trying to leave abusive relationships were aided when the Foundation provided them with a security deposit, last month’s rent, and childcare, to support them during their difficult transition process. Overall, in 2006 the Change a Life Foundation was pleased to assist many individuals and contributed $100,920 in 31 grants to this cause.
