New Albany domestic violence shelter to close, but director promises better approach

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- For almost two decades, victims of domestic or sexual violence in southern Indiana have come to the Center for Women and Families in New Albany.

However, it's a "safe place" that will be closed for good soon, which is concerning news to Floyd County Sheriff Frank Loop, who sees the shelter as an important asset to an area that sees an abundance of domestic violence.

"It's my understanding that they're always full," Loop said of the shelter. "Most of our area of patrol is subdivisions and housing, so domestic violence ranks right up there with property crime."

After concerns and questions from Loop and others, the center's director explained what's next.

"Right now, things are still the same," said Shelley McDonald, the director of the Southern Indiana Campus for The Center. "People can contact us 24/7. We are still bringing people into the shelter right now."

However, by the end of the year, the domestic violence center will switch to what it calls a "mobile model," which means the 10-room shelter will close. And instead, advocates will travel to victims where they are. McDonald said it's a model that's being adopted in other parts of the country as a way to reach more victims. The new system is also more cost-effective, she said.

"Safety will still be our No. 1 priority, and helping clients decide what that looks like for them is what we will do," McDonald said.

Accordingly, a 24/7 crisis-line will still be in place, and victims who need an immediate "safe place" could be sent to a partnering shelter or given a hotel voucher. For less perilous cases, advocates believe they'll build better relationships with victims outside a shelter.

"The new programming will provide advocates the opportunity to start a relationship with the client while they are still in the abusive relationship and allows advocates to walk with them through the process if and when clients choose to leave their abuser," The Center wrote in a news release. "It allows advocates to continue the relationship moving forward as long as support is needed."

Regardless, Loop is still hesitant.

"We need the resources to take care of our social problems in southern Indiana," he said.

McDonald said those questions and concerns are understandable and were anticipated. For that reason, The Center has planned a breakfast for Oct. 4 to field them. Anyone interested can register on the center's website.

Copyright 2018 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.