Shelter Offers Hope to Women of Means

Naples, FL – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is pleased to announce the Women of Means program targeting educated, professional and/or upscale victims of intimate partner abuse.

"The reality is that one in four women will be abused at sometime in their lives - a fact that crosses all socio-economic, religious and ethnic boundaries," explains Shelter Director of Programs Jan Christiansen. "However, there are unique aspects for each victim, and women of means have to deal with assumptions and stigmas that may not be present in the same way in other abusive relationships."

According to Christiansen, upscale abuse often means that in reality the woman has little access to money, because financial control keeps the abuser in power. Furthermore, abusers often hold positions of high standing in the community, making the victim's claims of abuse lack credulity if they "go public." Upscale abusers also have a wide array of resources, such as legal counsel and detectives, at their disposal that threaten victims with the loss of children, home and financial support if they leave the abusive relationship.

To help address these crucial issues, the Shelter's Women of Means program provides:

• A specially trained team of peer advocates who provide peer-to-peer, confidential support at a mutually agreed upon location
• A Master of Social Work level Counselor/Advocate to provide individual and group counseling sessions
• A network of attorneys, accountants, physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, dentists and other professionals to assist survivors
• A system of organizations, such as religious groups, spas and salons, that support the program and help distribute life-saving materials
• A non-emergency help line that abused women of means can call confidentially: 239-280-1384
• As needed access to the Shelter's 24-hour emergency shelter and 24-hour crisis line (239-775-1101)

"Domestic violence is so much more than a slap or punch - it's emotional, psychological, financial, sexual and physical abuse, or a combination of any of these abuses," concludes Christiansen. "Just because you live in a gated community and belong to a country club doesn't mean that you are immune to domestic abuse."

For more information about the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Options Thrift Shop, as well as programs and services, please call 239-775-3862.

Media Contact:
Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211