Published: October 31, 2009 02:42 am      

COMMUNITY: YWCA counsels domestic violence victims

ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY

• The YWCA 24-hour hot line for victims of domestic violence: 433-6716.

Friday was the last day of domestic violence month, but Mary Brennan-Taylor, vice president of programs for the YWCA of Niagara County, said it’s never too late to spread domestic violence awareness.

For nearly 25 years, the YWCA at 32 Cottage St. has been the main source in Eastern Niagara County for providing victims of domestic violence with place to feel secure, Brennan-Taylor said.

“We’re the only YWCA in Eastern Niagara County to provide so many services,” she said.

She explained that the YWCA in Lockport provides victims and their children with a nine-bed confidential emergency shelter. “We have a 24-hour hot line open to any victim of DV,” Brennan-Taylor said. “And have a staff to meet the victims at a set location to help them.”

Supportive Housing is another amenity the YWCA provides for victims. “It’s a six-room apartment open for victims who need the services.”

Brennan-Taylor said she cannot stress enough about the safety the YWCA provides for victims. “Not only are we a safe haven for victims, but we have two counselors on staff who provide group and personal counseling,” Brennan-Taylor said. All counselors are certified.

The YWCA has three main advocates. “We have one housed at the DA’s office, another who works with the Lockport police and another who is staffed with Child Protective Services,” Brennan-Taylor said. “Our comprehensive services are available for all victims.”

Just recently, Brennan-Taylor said the YWCA took over the Rape Crisis Service from the Niagara County Department of Mental Health. “We work with the DA’s office frequently and have nine trained confidential advocates working with us,” Brennan-Taylor said.

The advocates will take the time to accompany rape victims to the hospital, court, etc., Brennan-Taylor said.

Brennan-Taylor assures residents that all Niagara County hospitals have trained nurses, with a job title of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, or SANE, to do the medical exam for rape victims.

The Violence Against Women Web site said most SANE programs are hospital-based, and the headquarters is in Lockport.

Contact reporter Britney Milazzo at 439-9222, ext. 6251.