A Safe Haven For Abuse Victims

By Howard S. Garval
Wednesday - September 02, 2009 Share

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By Howard S. Garval, President and CEO
Child & Family Service

Rose (whose name has been changed here to protect her identity) came to the Child & Family Service Domestic Abuse Shelter with her three children at 1 a.m. She had fled her home to escape from her boyfriend, who had beaten her when he returned after a night of drinking.

Rose had been in this abusive relationship for more than six years, and after this latest beating finally decided to leave. She was able to escape her abuser with only the clothes she and her children were wearing.

The shelter provided Rose with a safe place to stay, support groups, counseling and referrals for other services that she and her children would require until they were ready to move on independently. Staff members provided clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items and formula for the youngest child. With help from the client advocate, Rose obtained a temporary restraining order against her abuser and is working to put her life back together. She is now looking for affordable housing and child care so that she can return to work.

Staff members at Child & Family Service help keiki make a healthy start in a life without abuse

Two of our most important priorities are ending domestic violence and child abuse. To achieve our mission of strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children, Child & Family Service offers more than 30 programs to families across the state of Hawaii.

Reductions in state contracts that support these programs have challenged us to raise more funds to offset the losses. And with these challenging economic times, we thought it was important to have a fun event where people can really enjoy themselves.

We invite you to join us at our ‘50s-themed Happy Days event Sept. 12 at the Sheraton Waikiki. Funds raised from the event will go toward our child abuse prevention and domestic violence programs. Emceed by Andy Bumatai and Paula Akana, this is a fun party with a classic car showcase, guests dressed in ‘50s outfits, ‘50s gourmet food grazing and great ‘50s music!

For more information, please contact our development office at 543-8413. Or, for more information about Child & Family Service, visit www.childandfamilyservice.org.

Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.