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Domestic violence help is available

To the editor:

Greetings, my name is Kellie Savage, and I am the safe dwelling coordinator for the Franklin County branch of STOP Domestic Violence, a program of Behavioral Health Services North.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people are abused by their intimate partner per minute in the USA. This equates to a staggering 10 million or more people a year suffering at the hands of their partners or family members. Abuse can take many forms; it can be physical, mental, emotional, psychological, economical and sexual. It can affect people of any gender, ethnic background, social class, religion or sexual orientation.

My main reason for writing this letter is to hopefully reach someone in need to let them know that help is available. Our agency serves three counties: Clinton, Essex and Franklin, with offices in Plattsburgh, Westport, Malone and Tupper Lake. Our services include a 24-hour hotline, which offers crisis intervention, safety planning and supportive counseling. We also offer advocacy. Staff can advocate on a client’s behalf with the Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, etc. In addition, while we do not have an attorney on staff, we can go to court and assist a client with preparing petitions for orders of protection in Family Court. Pre-arranged child care is available if the client needs to go to court or has other important appointments to attend. We also offer child care during our weekly support group for victims of domestic violence. Community education is available for any groups, clubs, businesses and workplace organizations to train people about the dynamics of domestic violence. Moreover, staff can provide transportation to and from essential appointments such as DSS appointments or court. Staff can also assist victims of any crime to apply for compensation from the Office of Victim Services. We can also provide individuals with information and referrals to pertinent resources within our communities.

If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence, please call our 24-hour hotline at 1-888-563-6904. We are here to help!

Sincerely,

Kellie Savage

Safe dwelling coordinator

STOP Domestic Violence

Plattsburgh

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