Every Survivor Counts: The Shelter Participates in 21st Annual Domestic Violence Counts Survey

NAPLES, FL —  On Sept. 9 The Shelter for Abused Women & Children will join approximately 2,000 domestic violence programs across the country for the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)’s 21st Annual Domestic Violence Counts survey day.

Conducted annually by NNEDV since 2006, the Domestic Violence Counts Survey is a one-day, unduplicated count of adults and children seeking domestic violence services in the United States. Each year, the Domestic Violence Counts Report summarizes this data and shares stories of both hope and heartbreak – from advocates connecting survivors and their children with lifesaving assistance, to programs being forced to turn away victims who urgently need help.

For The Shelter, participating in Domestic Violence Counts is an important opportunity to help demonstrate the urgent need for lifesaving services in our community and across the country.

“Every number represents a person who had the courage to reach out for help,” said Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. “Domestic Violence Counts helps us show the scope of that need and the importance of ensuring survivors and their children have access to safety, support, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives.”

Programs in Florida and nationwide need increased funding to support all survivors seeking help while also working toward preventing violence in our communities. The lack of adequate resources has devastating consequences for victims and survivors.

Federal support, in particular, is vital for survivors of domestic violence and the programs that support them. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), and other federal funding form the backbone of our nation’s response to violence and our commitment to survivors’ safety, stability, and recovery. These dollars save millions of lives each year by funding shelters, legal support, housing, counseling, prevention, and other essential services. Any delay or reduction in federal funding jeopardizes vital services and risks the lives of victims and their children. Without access to services, victims struggle to find safety, regain their independence, and rebuild their lives. Additional resources must be provided, system-wide responses must be improved, and barriers to safety and justice must be eliminated to ensure that survivors are not left without resources and that no program is ever forced to turn away survivors or close its doors when faced with a decrease in funding.

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is proud to participate in the Domestic Violence Counts Survey and to share more about the essential services we provide. Learn more at NNEDV.org/DVCounts.

About The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is Collier County’s leading advocate for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Our mission is to lead and collaborate with the community to prevent, protect, and prevail over domestic violence and human trafficking through advocacy, empowerment, and social change. With 24/7 emergency services, outreach programs, prevention education, and long-term support, The Shelter is committed to creating a community free from violence and abuse. Learn more at naplesshelter.org.