Fire Station Haven Project

Need Help Now!
1-800-332-7385 (Indiana)
1-800-799-SAFE (National)
1-800-787-3224 (TDD)
1-317-926-4357 (Helpline)

The Domestic Violence Network
of Greater Indianapolis
2620 Kessler Blvd. East Drive
Suite 205
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
(P) 317.475.6110
(F) 317.475.6114

Caution:
If you are in an abusive situation, be aware that your abuser may be able to find out what sites you are accessing.

Teen Dating Abuse
At least one in five female high school and college students report experiencing dating violence.

On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the US every day.

Both women and men can be the abuser or the one abused. However, 85% of reported intimate violence victims are women, and women are much more frequently injured.

Abuse usually doesn't stop when the relationship ends. Stalking and harassing the victim, creating custody and visitation problems if there are children, or becoming violent toward others is common. Ending the relationship brings a time of greatest risk.

Although most commonly reported by women between 19 and 29, abuse crosses the life span: teens, adults and the elderly are all at risk. It is found at all education levels, up and down the economic ladder, among people from all religions, and in every racial and ethic group.

Beech Grove Firefighters and Police Officers know about domestic abuse. They see the devastating aftermath on many of their runs. Each year they receive training about domestic abuse; the signs and symptoms, the dynamics of an abusive relationship, the impact it has on the victim, the children and our community.

When a person flees domestic abuse, it is important to have in mind a secure and helpful destination for the first step toward safety. In Marion County that first place can be a local fire station, thanks to the Fire Station Haven Project. The Domestic Violence Network, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and township and municipal fire departments work together to offer temporary safe places for victims of domestic abuse. All Indianapolis Fire Department and township fire stations in Marion County are prepared to assist individuals and families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Law enforcement and Victim’s Assistance will respond to assure that needs for medical care, a safe place to stay, and other services are promptly met.

Abuse and Children

Studies show that children are aware of abuse in the home from a very early age. Witnessing violence terrifies children and puts them at risk for long-term mental health and behavioral problems, including depression, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, running away from home, teenage prostitution, and poverty throughout life. Boys especially, are more likely to be aggressive and engage in criminal behavior if they grow up with domestic violence.
Child abuse and the abuse of a domestic partner are strongly linked. The US Advisory Board on Child Abuse suggest that domestic violence may be the single major precursor to child abuse and neglect.

See our links page on Teen Help Sites

This information provided by the Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis. (317) 475-6110