Respect for Dignity

Safe Haven believes that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person, and that women, men and children should be respected and valued for themselves rather than as a means to other ends. Regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, health, ability or social class, people have the right to be free from abuse within their own families.

Responsible Caring

In order to be a safe space with helpful resources, Safe Haven recognizes the diversity of women's experiences and how they influence each woman's views and identity. Staff try to balance self-care, self-reflection, and self-awareness in order to be healthy and trustworthy workers that people accessing our services can rely on. 

What is trauma?

Trauma is a highly stressful event that overwhelms usual methods of coping that give a person a sense of control, connection, and meaning. Trauma can result from physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or spiritual abuse, as well as from physical or emotional neglect. Trauma is also connected to repeated social abuse from patterns of racism, sexism, colonialism, and other forms of power. Traumatic reactions to these events are normal. Trauma can impact relationships, and lead to mental and physical health issues. Understanding trauma, and taking care of people who have experienced trauma is so important for people, families, and communities to heal.

What is "Trauma-Informed Care"?

A trauma-informed shelter: 

• ​Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands the potential paths to recovery 
• Recognizes the signs and symtoms in clients, families, and staff 
• Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices 

Our guiding principles: 

• Awareness: understanding trauma 
• Safety: emotional and physical trustworthiness 
• Empowerment: focus on strengths and skill-building 
• Address cultural, historical, and gender issues
• Healing happens in relationships, not alone. 

Understanding Emotional Safety

​"We want you to know that whatever you are thinking and feeling, you are welcome here." 
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​Emotional safety means feeling accepted; it is the sense that you are safe from emotional attack or harm. Ongoing attacks on a person's sense of well-being are often more painful than physical beatings. People who have been traumatized can find it hard to get back to safety and calmness, even if they are being physically taken care of. Being sensitive to the feelings of people who have experienced abuse and trauma is a key aspect of what we do.

Helping People Manage Feelings

​Trauma may affect a person's ability to find emotional balance. They might experience a flood of feelings and worries that make it difficult to make decisions, follow plans, and tend to responsibilities. Providing for emotional safety is an important part of our work as domestic violence advocates. We hope to activate and engage thinking processes that can lead to greater safety and control. This means we try to offer a caring and calming presence, help with tasks that are overwhelming, work to identify achievable goals, offer frequent breaks, and provide unique care to each person.

Provide Information about Trauma

Trauma can disrupt a person's sense of well-being. It can also have direct effects on the brain, changing how a person experiences the world and perceives danger. Learning about trauma triggers can help people who have experienced trauma understand and manage their feelings. Safe Haven provides information through conversations, exercises, posters, handouts, and videos. 

more information about trauma

Safe Haven Staff Strive:

• To apply compassion in all our relationships 
• To be aware of our own trauma-related issues and seek help when needed 
• To create an environment of safety: physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual 
• To live and work in balance, including self-care
• To promote hope and focus on strengths 
• To practice boundaries
• Offer education, support, practical tools, and resources