Our Approach to Educating the Community

Putting an end to domestic abuse is an evolutionary process with education serving as the driving force. As good citizens, we can’t put an end to something if we aren’t aware of its existence, its cause, or how to even start to help. Harbor House of Central Florida is dedicated to developing and nurturing relationships within the community that have the greatest potential for assisting us in the mission to end domestic abuse.

When people are experiencing turmoil and domestic abuse in their lives, there are many potential ways in which they might react. For some, fear may cause them to internalize the problem. They may feel it’s their fault that they are being abused. They don’t confide what is happening to them to anyone at work or at school. They put on a brave face and try to weather the storm. They feel they are “stuck” and have nowhere to turn for help. Would you be able to see the warning signs of a neighbor or co-worker who might be exposed to domestic abuse? Would you know what resources were available through your employer or in the community to assist this individual? Are you an employer who is concerned about an employee who is surviving a domestic abuse situation? Harbor House is actively engaged in providing training to businesses and individuals who are interested in learning more about how to help.

Some survivors seek the solace of their place of worship. They believe that their religion provides a safe haven and potentially the answer for making their situation disappear. They confide in a priest, pastor, rabbi, imam, deacon, etc., and seek peace. Harbor House believes that providing education and materials throughout the religious community is vital to broaden awareness of resources available to survivors of domestic violence. The clergy needs to know how to identify and provide assistance to their congregation and Harbor House is happy to assist.

Children often don’t know how to get help in abusive situations because they only know what they observe. Whether they are witnessing the abuse of a parent, or they are the target of the domestic abuse, they haven’t had enough experience in the world to know where to get assistance. Can you imagine what it’s like for a five or six-year-old to see or listen to one parent physically or verbally assaulting the other day after day? Some will believe that this is normal behavior. Others will know instinctively that it’s not appropriate but won’t know who to turn to.

As teenagers, the exposure to texting, social media, and cell phone use, combined with social interactions at school and activities, broadens the opportunity to be exposed to bullying and domestic abuse by developing unhealthy relationships that they may take with them into adulthood. In both age groups, Harbor House considers the school system an integral partner in teaching our youth about domestic violence and abuse and offers several programs to inform faculty, staff, and students.

In addition to the safe haven and all related services they provide to survivors of domestic abuse, there are many other ways that Harbor House is visible in our community in an educational capacity. For additional information about the Harbor House philosophy of community education and awareness, or to participate in a training seminar, click here.