Supporting Independence

Empowerhouse Assists Survivors Of Domestic Violence

By Nancy Kelly

July is the month we celebrate our country's independence and the freedoms we hold dear. We value our individual rights and all that they offer.

Domestic violence is characterized as a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one individual intended to exert power and control over another individual within the context of an intimate relationship. The abuser is trying to isolate the survivor of domestic violence and limit or take away their freedoms, making the survivor more dependent on the abuser.

Domestic violence occurs in relationships of all races, ages, religions, educational levels, sexual orientations, gender identities, and income groups. 1 in 4 women in the U S have been a victim of intimate partner violence. The abuse can take the form of physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, as well as emotional and mental cruelty. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44, (Uniform Crime Reports, FBI) yet it is the least reported crime. Examples of abusive behavior include:

Verbal violence including name-calling, cursing, and yelling,

Criticizing and humiliating their partner in front of others,

Non-verbal threats such as brandishing a weapon or "the look,"

Controlling all the money in the relationship,

Isolating the person from family and friends and other support systems,

Physical violence such as hitting, detaining, shoving, and choking, Forcing or demanding sex, Threatening to hurt or kill their partner, a pet, or themselves, Murder.

Since 1978, Empowerhouse, a non-profit agency, has been breaking the cycle of domestic violence through shelter, advocacy, education, housing, awareness, prevention, and education.

We serve vulnerable community members in the city of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties. Empowerhouse promotes safe relationships, homes, and communities by empowering survivors of domestic violence and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We give victims the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, rebuild their lives, and renew their spirits.

In short, we support survivors of domestic violence with our caring services and resources, so they regain their independence and enjoy freedom from another's power and control. In fiscal year 2022, Empowerhouse helped over 3,700 women, men, and children in our community. We educated over 3,400 teens in area classrooms on healthy relationships and the warning signs of teen dating violence. We provided services at area courthouses, hospitals, and out of our outreach office in Spotsylvania, our satellite offices in King George and Stafford Counties Sheriff's Offices, and our confidential domestic violence shelter.

To learn more about Empowerhouse, please visit our website at www.empowerhouseva.org. If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call our 24-hour confidential hotline at (540) 373-9373.

We wish you all a safe and Happy Independence Day.

The shortage of affordable, petfriendly rentals, high deposits, and breed or size restrictions have resulted in a dire situation for animal shelters across the country. The Fredericksburg SPCA is just one of many facilities that are struggling to keep up with the demand for their resources. The summer months are especially challenging as animal shelters reach maximum capacity. Compounded by the scarcity of housing for families, it is a disastrous situation. The shelter is receiving numerous requests from pet owners and other facilities across Virginia, and even across state lines, with desperate pleas for intake to prevent euthanasia

The Shelter Animals Count National Database reveals that total community intakes have increased by 3%, but outcomes have not kept up. Non-live outcomes for dogs have nearly doubled in