At the Center for Hope, WNY we are committed to helping people safely leave abusive relationships. Our mission is to empower victims of abuse to navigate their path from victim to survivor by providing education, prevention, emotional support, advocacy and tools to heal.
We will coordinate services for you with experienced professionals who participate in our network of providers.
We can provide referrals to:
- Legal Advocacy
- Mental health support
- Financial Advisement
- Coaching services
- Narcissistic Abuse Educational Workshop series
Have you been a victim of abuse or domestic violence?
Your partner apologizes and says the hurtful behavior won’t happen again — but you fear it will. At times you wonder whether you’re imagining the abuse, yet the emotional or physical pain you feel is real. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing domestic violence. Women are at highest risk of injury or violence when they are separating from or divorcing a partner. Women can be very intimidated by a partner and the consequences of her leaving. It takes a long time for a woman to give up hope in a relationship and to recognize that the only way she can be safe is to leave him.
Get Help for Domestic Abuse
If you are being abused, get help. Don’t ignore it. It won’t go away. Keep in mind, you’re not alone. Many women are victims of domestic abuse.
Here are things you can do:
- Make a plan in case you need to leave. Set aside some money and find a place to go. Put important papers and items in a place where you find them, such as marriage license, birth certificates, and checkbook.
- If you’re in danger, call the police or leave.
- If you’re hurt, go to a local hospital emergency room.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE or TDD 800-787-3224, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages.
- Contact the Family Justice Center at (716) 558-7233 or the Haven House 24 Hour Hotline: 716-884-6000
- Reach out to someone you trust — a family member, friend, co-worker, or spiritual leader.
- Ask Hope about obtaining an Order of protection from family court. As a former prosecutor in the Erie County District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, Hope can help guide you through the system and she will be with you every step of the way ensuring your safety and your children’s safety through this very difficult and often scary process.