If you are in a life-threatening situation right now, you need to take immediate action to reach safety. Call 911.

Note: Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your Internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer.

Chances are that you feel very overwhelmed right now. It may be that the only thing that you are sure about is that you are ready for a change or that you don’t want your children experiencing life this way. Take heart! You are moving in the right direction. The first step to making a change is acknowledging that change is needed! The information provided here is to help you decide on your next steps toward living without abuse. Dare to hope. You are precious in the eyes of God.

Our advice for you depends on where you are in your journey.

If you would like assistance from Wing Haven…

If you would like assistance from Wing Haven AND you meet the following criteria, please contact us to initiate the application process (see below for more details). In order to apply for assistance from Wing Haven, you must meet each of the following (note: meeting the following criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program):

1. Need to relocate outside of your community in order to be safe from abuse.
   
2. Be pregnant or have children five years old or younger.
   
3. Not be addicted to any drugs or alcohol.
   
4. Not be mentally ill.
   
5. Agree to complete the entire yearlong intensive program.
   

The application process includes:

• Once we receive your request for an application (and you meet the above criteria), we will send you detailed information about the program (including moving away from your community to our site, taking responsibility for the care of your home on-site, keeping the site location confidential, engaging in counseling, workshops, and Bible studies) and you will be asked whether you agree to comply.
  
• You will also be asked to complete the following:
  
  • Initial Application Form
    
    • History of Abuse
      
    • Age of kids and any child abuse
      
    • How many times you have left abuse previously
      
  • Danger Assessment form
    
  • You will be requested to provide a Written Personal Statement requesting Wing Haven’s services – this statement is to include information about your situation, needs, goals, and hopes for the future
    
  • You will be requested to provide written consent to allow Wing Haven representatives to talk with any relevant shelter professionals, counselors, doctors, pastors and lawyers on subjects pertinent to whether you would be a “good fit” for the program.
    
• If we determine that you have met the screening criteria, we will arrange to meet with you in person for the final interview.
  
• If you are accepted into the program, we will arrange for your relocation to the site.
  

*Elapsed Time from first WH contact to relocation will depend on the degree of immediate danger you are in, the speed with which the application packet is completed by the applicant, any court filings that need to be made, etc.

We also suggest that you follow the steps listed below to help prepare you for relocation.

If you have decided that you are going to leave but have not done so already...
1. Pray. Your heart is broken. Seek God’s heart for you. His heart is for you. He never demeans you, he never condemns you, and He always accepts you.

Here is truth for your journey:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me (Jesus), because the Lord has anointed me (Jesus) to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me (Jesus) to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...” Isaiah 61:1

2. Develop a Safety Plan. It is important that you develop a plan for your safety. This involves thinking through what you will do next time you anticipate an attack or after an attack has occurred.

Click on the links below for help in creating your plan.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Family Violence Prevention Fund

3. Seek the counsel of a trusted person who believes you. If you do not have a trusted person in your life, call a shelter in your area and ask for someone to talk to. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for assistance in locating someone in your area at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (http://www.ndvh.org).

If you do not know whether you should leave...
The same three steps outlined above also apply to you. But we also encourage you to be fully aware of the dynamics of domestic abuse. This is important in helping you to take charge of your life and the lives of your children. Good decisions are made based on good information. Click on resources to view some good information.

If you would like to share your story…
We believe that sharing your journey with others is a part of the healing process for you and provides needed education for the rest of us.

If you have been through abuse and would like to share your story with others, Wing Haven would like to give you a place for your voice to be heard. Share your story with us through our online form and we will post it on the hear victims page (after appropriate review).