"Victims of Violence" event to unite victims, support agencies

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) - The holidays can be trying for some, especially those dealing with loss, abuse or other domestic issues.
 
Sunday, November 18 in Spanish Fort, area victim support agencies held an outreach event for victims of violence.
 
Representatives from Penelope House, Under His Wings, and the Lighthouse set up tables at Eastern Shore Lanes bowling alley.
   
It's an unlikely place to find support agencies doing business, but they say letting people know they are available is crucial especially this time of year.
 
“We're about helping families, helping individuals get through the holiday season where they don't fall into that depressed mode during this time,” said Chaplain Tony Dickey.
 
Under His Wings plans to open in January. They’re a Christian residential home for girls who are 13 to 18 years old having problems living at home.
   
Residents stay for at least six months.
 
“We feel like our girls will leave us when they graduate from our program as healed women that can go and have healthy children,” said Angela Michal, executive director for Under His Wings.
 
The Lighthouse serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Baldwin and Escambia Counties.
   
They provide a safe shelter and counseling.
 
“And everything we do is free, so if they're in immediate danger and they need us at 2 o'clock in the morning we're there and if they need us at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, we're there,” said Heather Love, community education specialist with The Lighthouse.
 
In Mobile and Washington Counties, victims of domestic violence can seek help from Penelope House. They provide emergency shelter for women and their children.
 
“Our goal is to provide safety and to give victims a time to heal physically, mentally, and kind of reassess their situation and see what their options are, and make a good safety plan when they leave our shelter,” said Tonie Torrans, Executive Director with the Penelope House.
  
Agency reps said some victims blame themselves for their own predicament, and find it hard to ask for help. Once in these programs, counselors work with victims to rebuild their self-esteem and self-worth.