Violence and Abuse
Addressing & Overcoming Violence and Abuse
If you or someone you know is facing violence or abuse, it’s crucial to understand that help and support are available. This page offers important information on recognizing signs of abuse, understanding your options, and finding the resources you need to stay safe. Whether you’re seeking immediate assistance or looking for long-term support, we can counsel you on how to protect yourself and your family. Our goal is to ensure you have the tools and knowledge to address these serious issues and connect you with organizations that can offer assistance and support.
Violence & Abuse Resources
If you have been a victim of violence or abuse – or any child has been – please consider the following:
Safety
Be sure you are safe. Remember that violence in families is often followed by periods of regret and promises that it will not happen again, but those promises are often broken. Our community has a variety of resources to help. If you believe that violence or abuse could occur (or reoccur) in your family, you should contact law enforcement or someone from the list below. Don't be afraid to ask
Use the Courts
While we strongly recommend cooperation between parents, safety must be assured first. A local attorney, the prosecutor's office, or a representative from the list below may advise you on protective orders that can help.
Get Counseling
Get counseling for yourself and any child who has suffered or seen violence or abuse. When homes and love relationships are touched by violence or abuse, it is too confusing and painful an experience for victims to handle their own. Things improve when families use competent outsiders. Remember the impact on your children. Children are badly hurt just by knowing that violence occurred. They will need counseling - and they will need to know that you are doing everything possible to make their world and yours safe. Call for help today.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau
Gabriel's Horn Shelter, Valparaiso
Gabriel’s Horn is a non-profit emergency shelter established for the residents of Porter County. Its main purpose is to provide emergency housing assistance to individuals or families in times of economic hardships.
Haven House, Hammond
Haven House, Inc., in Hammond, IN, offers 24-hour emergency shelter for domestic violence victims. They provide safe housing, a 24-hr hotline, court liaison, counseling, advocacy, and more to support victims and their children.
The Caring Place, Valparaiso
All services are confidential and free, offering shelter and safety for victims of domestic violence & sexual assault. They provide advocacy, vocational guidance, specialized support for elder women, and more.
Rainbow-Ark Shelter, Gary
Rainbow-Ark Shelter provides a 21-45 day emergency shelter for women and children, as well as respite for men. Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, daily necessities 24-hour crisis line, support groups, and more.
St. Jude House, Crown Point
St. Jude House is committed to ending domestic violence and serves as a safe shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and their dependent children. They offer support to victims that pursue violence-free lives.
