Serenity, a domestic violence shelter in this small rural Arkansas community of 12,000, is moving to a new
facility. And for the first time in its 25-year history it will hang a sign out front.
Serenity is one of approximately 1,700 domestic violence shelters in the United States, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence(NNEDV), and it is among a small but growing number which have either decided to disclose their location or are considering doing so.
"When we were celebrating our 25th anniversary it became apparent to us that a lot of people in our community did not know that we existed," said Paulette Hill, Serenity executive director. "If someone needs our services the last thing we need to do is stay hidden."
Women's Center-Youth & Family Services in Stockton, Calif., recently purchased a new shelter in Tracy, also called Serenity House, and Chief Executive Officer Joelle Gomez said they are considering disclosing its location.
"We're very much leaning that way," said Gomez. "Our philosophy is making our services, of course safe, but also accessible. If you have a great program and nobody knows how to get to it, that's not good," Gomez said.
Domestic violence shelter comes out of hiding
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