Shelter shortage leaves survivors without safe haven

ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Across Ohio, domestic violence survivors are facing a devastating reality: Even when they make the courageous decision to leave an abusive relationship, there may not be a safe place for them and their children to go.

According to data submitted by 76 Ohio Domestic Violence Network member programs, 9,600 survivors seeking emergency shelter were turned away last year because of insufficient capacity.

Mary O'Doherty, executive director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, said the data reflects both the strain on domestic violence programs and the overwhelming need for services, underscoring that domestic violence remains a significant and ongoing issue across Ohio and throughout the nation.

"ODVN's member programs provided services to nearly 75,000 survivors last year, most of them received non-residential services -- counseling or legal or housing advocacy. Unfortunately, while nearly 9,500 survivors were sheltered, more than 9,600 were turned away because the shelter was full or lacked staffing capacity," O'Doherty said. "The numbers make clear something we've known for a while: Ohio needs to do a better job taking care of its vulnerable families."

O'Doherty recently visited Tri-County Help Center and saw firsthand the work being done to support domestic violence survivors in the community.

Tri-County Help Center provides trauma-informed support and services throughout Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. It has been serving survivors of domestic violence in the region for more than four decades. The organization was founded in 1979 in Belmont County as the Task Force for Battered Women.

"In those early years, survivors were sheltered in local hotels while volunteers stepped in to provide meals, support survivors as they navigated the court system, and advocate for greater rights and protections for victims of domestic violence," Tri-County Help Center Community Education Advocate Misty Klug said.

Klug added that in 1986, the organization purchased what became known as "Peg's House," creating a dedicated shelter where survivors and their children could find safety and support. Today, Peg's House continues to provide shelter, supported by a trained and compassionate staff committed to helping survivors move from crisis toward safety, stability and independence.

Tri-County Executive Director Chelsea Scott said that in the past year, Tri-County Help Center provided 854 nights of emergency shelter to 19 adults and 14 children.

Scott said domestic violence shelters are a critical part of Ohio's safety net, providing far more than a bed.

"Shelters provide survivors with advocacy, connections to legal and community resources, and the opportunity to begin rebuilding their lives away from an abusive partner. Most importantly, they provide survivors with the dignity, safety, and freedom to live their lives without fear of violence, and to give their children the same opportunity."

Scott, who has served Tri-County Help Center since 2012 in roles including legal advocate, rape crisis advocate and administrative compliance coordinator, was named executive director in 2023. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, furthering her commitment to advocating for survivors and strengthening domestic violence services across Ohio.

"Being told that there is no available shelter does not necessarily mean there is another safe option," Scott explained. "It may mean returning to the person who harmed them, moving between unsafe locations, or becoming homeless. Not every survivor has family or friends they can turn to, and many do not have the financial resources to secure temporary housing on their own."

She added that for parents fleeing violence, the safety of their children adds another critical concern.

"Children exposed to domestic violence can experience fear, trauma, and lasting harm, even when they are not the direct target. No parent should have to choose between remaining in an abusive home and exposing their children to homelessness or another unsafe situation."

Domestic violence extends far beyond the home. When these services are unavailable, the impact is felt throughout communities. The consequences of losing these critical services are already being seen in Ohio.

"We are deeply concerned about the growing pressure on domestic violence services throughout Ohio," Scott said. "Tri-County Help Center remains open and committed to serving survivors and their children. This is also a reminder of how important sustainable funding and strong community partnerships are to keeping these lifesaving services available. As a member of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network Board of Directors, I will continue advocating statewide for the resources survivors and the programs that serve them need."

"Every survivor deserves a safe path away from violence, and every child deserves the chance to grow up free from fear," Scott said. "When we give families the support they need to leave safely, we strengthen not only those families, but our communities across Ohio."