For Immediate Release
April 3, 2009

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

SafeNet Responds to Good Morning America - Keira Knightley Domestic Violent Ad

Today on ABC’s Good Morning America aired a new Domestic Violence ad. Some think the ad is too violent, but domestic violence is just that, violent: According to Linda Lyons King, Executive Director/CEO “Domestic Violence is a pattern of psychological, emotional abuse and control, many times punctuated with physical violence.” SafeNet shelters hundreds of women each year who are fleeing a domestic violence situation. In 2008 The Erie County Court issued 498 final Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders. At any given time one woman in ten, between the ages of 18 and 55, is in a relationship that may be defined as one of intimate partner violence. Whether you see it or not, it exists. The violence and injuries seen in the video are less severe than what police officers, hospital personnel, and domestic violence services encounter each day in Erie County.

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. SafeNet is Pennsylvania's oldest continuous running domestic violence shelter.

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.