Haven House Is a Sanctuary for Battered Women

People often ask Sheila Halfon what success stories she’s had running Haven House, which has served for 40 years as a sanctuary for battered women and their families in the San Gabriel Valley.

“I tell them that every phone call I get from a woman coming out of denial, whether it’s emotional, physical, sexual or financial, is a success story,” she said. “Seeking help makes all the difference in the world.”

Hundreds of women and their children pass through the doors of Haven House each year to escape domestic abuse and receive the strength and support to start anew. The organization received $15,000 from the 2004 Los Angeles Times Holiday Campaign, which raises money for nonprofit groups in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Families can stay at the shelter up to 45 days, receiving counseling to deal with everything from trauma to how to handle finances without a spouse.

The location of Haven House and the identities of the people it serves are kept secret for security purposes.

“Battered women who flee their home have a 75% greater risk of being killed by their spouses than women who stay,” Halfon said.

Staying in an abusive household can mean a lifetime of suffering.

Every year in the U.S., 6 million women are beaten by their husbands or boyfriends and about 4,000 are killed. Children of abusers are more likely to grow up to be victims or perpetrators themselves, Halfon said.

That’s why Haven House pays special attention to youngsters. Its children’s center was recently upgraded to appeal to teens. A computer, a DVD player and reference books for schoolwork were added.

In some cases, Halfon said, teens had threatened their battered mothers by saying they would run away from home if they didn’t seek help.

Youngsters can gain professional help dealing with substance abuse and learn how to develop self-esteem.

A successful outreach program encourages high school students to create art.

One teen used makeup to draw a girl’s bruised face staring into a compact mirror.

“The girl said she was inspired by her friend who covers her bruises with makeup,” Halfon said.

Haven House administrators can be reached at (626) 564-8880; its crisis hotline is (626) 681-2626; or e-mail shalfon@havenhousela.com.

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