Every Survivor Counts: The Shelter for Abused Women & Children Proudly Participates in  National Network to End Domestic Violence’s 20th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Survey

Sept. 10, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Penny Fisher
Communications Manager
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
Phone: (239) 775-3862
Email: pfisher@naplesshelter.org

Naples, FL – Today, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children will join nearly 2,000 domestic violence programs across the country for the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)’s 20th 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.

“Every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and a path to healing. Participating in the DV Counts Survey allows us to amplify the voices of survivors in our community and highlight the urgent need for continued support. The data collected tells a powerful story, one of resilience, unmet needs, and the critical role organizations like ours play every day,” said Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.

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. Funding for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants are essential for programs, advocates, and survivors.

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 their 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.