It was another great Friday at The Pirates House! This past week, RCSE had three GRSP students join us for lunch! President Andrew Cosey updated everyone on the Eric Meyerhoff Memorial that is being installed on River Street. After all Rotary business items were discussed, Kim Campbell introduced Shannon Bates who spoke to us about Safe Shelter and all they are doing to help people who are victims of domestic violence.
Safe Shelter has been in Savannah for 45 years and has helped 35,000 victims since it was formed. It is the 2nd largest shelter in Georgia. They have a 48 bed emergency shelter, six transitional apartments, and an outreach center. Last year, 2000 people in our community benefited from these services.
Shannon said that 15% of all violent crimes is a result of domestic violence. Domestic violence isn't just physical abuse but can also be emotional, psychological, and economic as well. Victims have a hard time leaving because they are afraid there will be more violence and have been brainwashed into thinking they are not good enough. On average, it takes someone seven times trying to leave their abusive partner before they actually are able to follow through. Domestic violence has drastically increased since COVID. Shannon then shared her personal experience with domestic violence. In conclusion, Shannon asked that everyone give to an organization that they are passionate about either through a monetary donation or their time. If you know of someone who is experiencing domestic violence, the emergency hotline for Safe Shelter is 912-629-8888.