LISBON So far in 2003, use of shelter has decreased

Dating abuse among teenagers needs more attention, the director said.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Domestic violence victims are still seeking help to escape abusive relationships, but fewer are seeking shelter at Christina House, said Beth Schmitt, program director.
Elaine Kloss is a victims advocate at Christina House. She said her intervention in domestic abuse cases has led to faster and more frequent issuance of protection orders so victims can return home more quickly.
Kloss has a background in criminal justice and is a police academy graduate. That gives her an invaluable understanding of domestic violence situations, Schmitt said.
Some victims have stayed at Christina House as long as 90 days after leaving an abusive home situation because it takes that long to find affordable housing. In recent months the average stay is about three days, she said.
In 2002, 85 women and 76 children sought refuge at Christina House. So far in 2003, about half that number have been housed at the shelter.
October is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Christina House staff will sponsor a program at 10 a.m. Thursday at the shelter's newly renovated offices at 115 E. Washington St.
After a program, those in attendance will walk to the public square and release balloons in honor of domestic abuse victims.
The program may include comments from some domestic violence victims, she said.
"We want to make the statement 'Enough is Enough!'" Schmitt said. "There is no excuse for domestic violence."
Emergency shelter
Christina House, a domestic abuse shelter, opened in Lisbon in 1997. The shelter has been in a house at an undisclosed location the past four years.
Schmitt said that besides providing shelter in emergency situations, the Christina House staff offers counseling, a site for court-ordered supervised visitation and a variety of educational programs.
Date abuse among teenagers is a topic that needs to be addressed more, Schmitt said. Christina House staff has a program on date abuse and one for younger children on good and bad touching.
She said some school administrators are reluctant to allow the programs in the schools because they fear parents won't find them appropriate.
Schmitt said domestic violence among teenagers is a real problem. Violence, verbal abuse and other controlling behavior are all too common in dating relationships.
She said teenage girls often find it difficult if not impossible to leave such relationships.
Because it is so important to them to have boyfriends, they will do anything they are asked to do and will put up with oppressive and violent behavior, Schmitt said.
In general, it is often difficult for adults to leave abusive relationships for the same reasons, she added. Many women will stay in an abusive situation out of fear, but more stay out of fear of the unknown than of the abusive partner.
"They will say that even an abusive situation is good half the time," she said. "Many just can't imagine stepping out on their own."
tullis@vindy.com