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Scroll over the images below for
common questions and details.
Is this domestic violence tab
How do I leave an abusive relationship tab
What happens in the shelter tab
What does the shelter look like tab

Is this domestic violence?

SAFE SHELTER AND SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is any physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse between spouses or partners. Children in the home are often witnesses to and/or victims of the violence. 

To learn more about how abusers hurt their victims, click on the Power and Control Wheel designed by Domestic Violence Intervention Programs in Duluth, Minnesota.

The Caring Place, Inc. is here to help you. We believe you. It is not your fault.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

If you would like to talk with an advocate, call our 24-hour Crisis Line:
Local: 219-464-2128
Toll-free Long Distance: 1-800-933-0466

How do I leave an abusive relationship?

SAFE SHELTER AND SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL

The Caring Place, Inc. offers suggestions to help you plan to leave an abusive relationship. 
  1. Do not tell your abuser that you are leaving. Victims are in more danger of being hurt or killed while leaving abusive relationships. Do your best to plan without arousing suspicion.
  2. Delete your internet browser history, phone records, etc. 
  3. Make copies of important documents and duplicates of keys. Hide them in a safe place that you can access without the abuser knowing.
  • Keys to vehicles and home
  • Birth certificates (yours and children’s)
  • Social Security numbers (yours, abuser’s and children’s)
  • Immigration paperwork (yours and children’s)
  • Bank account numbers
  • Medical cards
  • Insurance policies
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Children’s school and immunization records
  • Passports (yours and children’s)
  • Marriage License
  • Credit card statements
  • Mortgage or rental agreements
  • List of addresses and telephone numbers of family, friends and other important contacts
In addition, hide these items:
  • Some money (including change)
  • Change of clothes for each family member
  • A small supply of prescription medication
  • Medical records, police reports or threatening notes, e-mails etc.
  • Stay away orders (no contact, protective or restraining)
The Caring Place, Inc. is here to help you. We believe you. It is not your fault.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

If you would like to talk with an advocate, call our 24-hour Crisis Line:
Local: 219-464-2128
Toll-free Long Distance: 1-800-933-0466

What happens in the shelter?

SAFE SHELTER AND SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL


The Caring Place, Inc.’s 12-bedroom shelter (built in 2019) is located at an undisclosed address for the protection and confidentiality of those seeking safety. Adult victims of domestic violence can bring their dependent children into shelter with them. We serve female and male survivors of domestic violence. We serve people of all abilities in our ADA-accessible shelter. We help victims of LGBTQ intimate partner violence.


 

  1. When you decide it is time to leave an abusive relationship, call an Advocate to plan your transition.
  2. When you arrive at The Caring Place, Inc. you will meet with an Advocate to talk through your needs and set goals that will help you work toward a peaceful, violence-free life.
  3. Clients participate in the following programs and support:

 


Support Services – In one-on-one sessions, Advocates assist clients in understanding the effects of domestic violence or sexual assault on their lives and on their children, as well as provide present options for violence-free life and emotional support.
Support/Educational Groups – A variety of topics are covered including the dynamics of domestic violence, effects of family violence on children, substance abuse, parenting, nutrition, budgeting, esteem building, etc.
Legal Advocacy – The Legal Services Coordinator provides information about accessing the legal system and obtaining protective orders. The Coordinator or a volunteer may accompany clients to court and attorney appointments.
Advocacy – An Advocate works to connect clients with community resources and can speak on behalf of the client seeking assistance or information from other agencies or individuals.
Safety Planning – An Advocate and client develop a plan that the client and children can implement if an abusive situation arises.
Referrals – The agency maintains a resource file of other agencies and individuals who can assist clients to meet their goals.
Protective Order Advocacy Project — Our Advocates can assist you with getting a Protective Order if you are experiencing domestic or family violence.
The Caring Place, Inc. is here to help you. We believe you. It is not your fault.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

If you would like to talk with an Advocate, call our 24-hour Crisis Line:
Local: 219-464-2128
Toll-free Long Distance: 1-800-933-0466

What does the shelter look like?

SAFE SHELTER AND SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Hundreds of members of our community and funders who value healthy relationships contributed to the construction of a brand new 12-bedroom domestic violence shelter. On September 9, 2019, fourteen clients and six children moved into the new shelter. View the slideshow to the left to peek inside.


The Caring Place, Inc. is here to help you. We believe you. It is not your fault.

If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.


If you would like to talk with an Advocate, call our 24-hour Crisis Line:

Local: 219-464-2128

Toll-free Long Distance: 1-800-933-0466