Domestic Abuse Family Shelter
United Way Support Services Partner
1.800.649.1092 | www.domesticabusefamilyshelter.org | Send Email
Who Are They?
Provides services for victims of domestic violence at no charge, including a 24-hour crisis line and a 24-hour shelter providing safe housing for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Shelter services include child care, counseling, transportation, aftercare case management and referrals. Provides non-residential counseling, victim advocacy, information and referrals to victims from the community. Education and prevention of domestic violence are provided through educational programs and trainings to schools, agencies and the community; and domestic violence intervention classes are also provided for abusers.
What Does United Way's Funding Do?
United Way funds are used for the daily operation of the Hattiesburg shelter, counseling and support services, victim advocacy, public education, special services for children and case management.
The Impact of Your United Way Investment
The after-care case management assists domestic abuse victims in avoiding their prior abusive environments, thus allowing them to lead independent lives and changing their lifestyles entirely.
Volunteer Needs
Active volunteers are needed to assist with childcare, shopping, transportation and organizing donations. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check. (Confidentiality is of utmost importance.)
Meet "Mary"
“Mary” had been married for 30 years when she was admitted to the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter in Hattiesburg. She had endured physical, psychological and sexual abuse spanning almost the entire three decades of the marriage. While struggling through her abusive relationship, she worked the same full-time job for 15 years. She also suffered physical problems. Nevertheless, these challenges did not stop her from taking it upon herself to raise two grandchildren.
Mary most likely waited to leave her abusive relationship until her own children were grown and had moved away from home. At age 57, she finally got up her courage to leave, and she turned to DAFS for help. When the woman and her grandchildren arrived at the shelter, she was emotionally exhausted, but she took full advantage of the services and resources offered by and through DAFS. While residing at the shelter for several months, she underwent both group and individual counseling. DAFS was her help and inspiration. The woman rose above her past circumstances and refused to let her physical limitations hold her back. She found a new place to live, despite the fact that she did not qualify for low-income housing, and she was able to maintain her job.
Mary found assistance through several other agencies, such as Pinebelt Association for Families, Southeast Mississippi Legal Services Corp., Department of Human Services, The Salvation Army and Pearl River Valley Opportunity.
She grew emotionally, working through issues stemming from the long-term abuse she had experienced. Today, having filed for divorce, she continues to live independently with her two grandchildren.