Tulsa Nonprofit Needs Help To Expand Facility For Survivors Of Domestic Violence

A Tulsa nonprofit that helps victims of domestic violence is getting ready to expand to a new facility. Advocates said it will dramatically help families.

The Family Safety Center’s new building near 31st and Sheridan is going to be a major upgrade that will allow the group to help more than 4-times as many people every year.

But, the nonprofit needs another $9 million to complete the facility.

The new center is going to have 65,000 square feet of space, include a court room for protective order hearings, and space for additional partners to help victims.

CEO Suzann Stewart said at this time, the group can help about 7,000 people per year. But the new building will allow them to help around 30,000 people every year.

She also said one of the biggest requests people who use their services have is for additional counselors, therapists, and attorneys.

At this time, the nonprofit doesn't have enough space to meet all of those needs.

“We are able to fulfil about 50-percent of the numbers of inquiries that we have and requests for legal services based on that. So, we know that there’s a huge demand for this. And we also know that if people seek services before things reach a lethal level, they are more likely to remain safe," Stewart said.

The new facility will also be located next to the Child Advocacy Network, which helps child victims of abuse. Stewart said the proximity of the two nonprofits will be a huge benefit for victims.

For more information or to donate, you can visit the Family Safety Center's website. CLICK HERE to learn more.

What is Domestic Violence?

The Office on Violence Against Women describes Domestic Violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship used by a person to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic Violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and involves behaviors that threaten, hurt, isolate, manipulate, humiliate, or injure another person. Children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of developing social and physical problems or learning that violence is a normal way of life.

How does Oklahoma compare nationally in Domestic Violence?

The Domestic Violence Intervention Services said Oklahoma ranks first in the country for the most domestic violence cases. Oklahoma is third in domestic violence homicides. The Young Women's Christian Association reported over 43,000 domestic violence calls in Oklahoma in 2022, which resulted in almost 1,000 arrests.

For more information about Oklahomans impacted by Domestic Violence, click here.

What are some resources for Domestic Violence victims in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Domestic Violence hotline, (800) 522-SAFE (7233), and the 24-hour Safeline 1-800-522-SAFE (7233), provide assistance with safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking. The Abuse Hotline 1-800-522-3511 and the Elder Abuse Hotline 1-800-522-3511 also provide resources for escaping abusive situations.

For the full list of Oklahoma Domestic Violence resources, click here.

How often do people experience Domestic Violence in the United States?

In the United States, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually. On average, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive over 19,000 calls.

For more information from The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, click here.

What are some National resources for Domestic Violence?

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 and the National Dating Abuse Helpline (866) 331-9474 for those in abusive situations or relationships. The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (800) 656-4673 also helps in cases of rape or incest.

The StrongHearts Native Helpline (844) 762-8483 helps culturally-specific helpline for Native Americans impacted by domestic, dating and sexual violence.

The National Child Abuse Hotline/Childhelp (800) 422-4453) is for any child who is being abused or neglected. The National Center for Elder Abuse 1-855-500-3537 will help with elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

For the full list of National Domestic Violence resources, click here.