INDIANAPOLIS — The city of Indianapolis has partnered with local domestic violence agencies to provide emergency housing and safety plan for victims of domestic violence.
According to a press release, the city's Office of Public Health and Safety has partnered with the Domestic Violence Network, Families First, and Silent No More to distribute $55,000 in CARES Act funding to help families dealing with domestic violence.
The funds were approved by the City-County Council on Sept. 16.
"Individuals and families across our city face domestic violence, but with the right support and assistance, those living in the shadows of their abusers can find a way out," Shonna Majors, director of community violence reduction, said. "It takes strength and courage for anyone to leave an abusive situation. We have available resources for anyone seeking to leave their abusers when they're ready."
According to the city, the funds will help 20 families with emergency housing, a safety plan, and other resources for those seeking to get out of a domestic violence situation. OPHS and its domestic violence partners are targeting certain zip codes based on Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department data that shows a high volume of intimate partner violence.
In April, the Central Indiana Community Foundation provided the Domestic Violence Network with a $25,000 grant through their Neighbor Relief Fund to assist 13 families experiencing domestic violence. The funds provided hotel stays, transportation, food, and other resources as needed by the families. The city said the CARES Act funding helps extend these efforts.
Funding for the program runs through the end of the year, though outreach efforts will continue to connection individuals and families to available resources.
