Our 37-bed emergency shelter for battered women and their children
offers safety, basic necessities, support groups, advocacy services,
and childcare. Individual counseling is available during the day,
in the evening, and on weekends.
Almost 500 women and children are served each year. 95%
of shelter residents who participate in an outtake interview process
report that they feel safe and supported while residing in the
shelter.
Sojourner Truth House has been designated the 24-hour
Domestic Violence Hotline for Milwaukee County since 1986. Staff
and volunteers speak directly with victims from the scene of domestic
violence incidents investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department
and 13 suburban police departments in situations that are subsequently
reviewed for criminal charges by the Milwaukee County District
Attorney's office.
The 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline receives over 16,000 calls
each year. Of those utilizing the hotline, 96% report that they
are better informed after their call.
Batterers Anonymous-Beyond Abuse (BA) began in 1981 and remains
Milwaukee's largest abuser treatment program. A 23-week support
group has proven effective in helping individuals find alternatives
to abusive and controlling behavior. Spanish-speaking groups are
also offered.
BA serves approximately 400 men and women each year. 89%
of the clients who graduate from the BA program and complete both
the pre- and post-program tests report that physical violence
in their lives had been reduced or eliminated from their personal
relationships.
Since 1993, the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates, located in the
Domestic Violence Unit of the Milwaukee County District Attorney's
office, have provided education, support and referral services
to help victims understand the criminal justice system.
Of the approximately 4,500 women and men assisted by the Advocates
each year, 99% were able to articulate the next step in the court
case involving their abuser.
Belle Resource Center offers free-of-charge support groups for
former shelter residents and other women in the community affected
by domestic violence, and additional extended programming.
Belle
Resource Center is currently accepting new group participants
for Teen Groups. Support groups are available for boys and
girls, ages 13-17 who have witnessed domestic violence in their
homes, or have experienced violence in a dating relationship.
These groups focus on forming equal and healthy relationships,
teen dating violence, anger and stress management, peer pressure,
and other teen-specific issues.
For
more information or to enroll, please e-mail
jsweers@sojournertruthhouse.org
or call (414) 344-4466.
A 10-hour course in employment motivation promotes leadership,
employment, and self-development. Participants focus on self-esteem,
conflict resolution, employment goals, and personal and professional
wellness practices. Confidence building is encouraged through
coaching, interview role-playing, and step-by-step preparation
for future employment. Information and referrals are provided
to job developers, schools and potential employers.
Developed for women and their children who are homeless as a result
of domestic violence, Transitions provides case management and
self-sufficiency planning to help families obtain permanent housing.
Sojourner Truth House-sponsored speakers travel to schools, businesses,
the Interfaith community and other organizations to increase awareness
and understanding of family violence issues among children, teens
and adults.
Community education speakers address almost 5,000 individuals
per year on domestic violence topics. 97% of those who attend
a presentation report that they learn beneficial domestic violence
information.
To schedule a Sojourner
Truth House Community Educator to present to your group, please
e-mail comed@sojournertruthhouse.org.
Page Last
Updated: 03/27/2008
