For Immediate Release
January 30, 2007

Contact:    Rick Liebel
                Public Relations and Development Director
                814 455-1774x 234
                814 881 6530 cell

SafeNet Releases December's Figures
for Domestic Violence Services for Erie Metro

Safety is a reason for shelter, not homelessness!  Each month, SafeNet will make available to the press, the domestic violence figures for each month as part of its on-going education to bring this severe problem to the forefront.

December figures for services provided by SafeNet:

Hotline calls - 136
December Victims   Women - 260    Men - 11    Shelter turned away - 30
Professional training provided by SafeNet - 698 persons
Volunteer hours - 355 hours
Counseling hours - Adults 938     Services to children - 183.75 hours

A domestic violence shelter is a part of a community's public safety response.  Monthly, 40% of our intake comes by police car and 10% come directly from the emergency room of local medical centers and other medical facilities.  SafeNet provides services for children also.  Even if not directly abused, children suffer from the abuse of a parent; it is traumatizing to them so special services and staff work with these children directly.  Our mission is about giving hope and helping with options, not just housing.  SafeNet has many programs - education, legal, non-residential counseling, and medical outreach services, but all serve one mission - Helping victims of abuse. We have begun our renovation and expansion of our Shelter, due mainly to the increased abuse we witness in our community. SafeNet is dedicated to ensuring the victims have a safe and secure place.  We staff a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 day a year hotline - 814-454-8161.  SafeNet is not a homeless shelter, but a safe and confidential place specifically for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  From every city and township in the area, victims come to SafeNet seeking support, safety and shelter from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring at home.  After more than 30 years of providing shelter and many other supportive services, SafeNet knows first-hand that there is hope and there is help.

For interviews with SafeNet's Executive Director or any staff member of SafeNet, contact Rick Liebel, Public Relations and Development Director at 455-1774 extension 234 or email at rliebel@safeneterie.org.