Key West The Newspaper

Domestic Abuse Shelter, Inc. (DAS) announced on September 6th it had reopened the domestic violence emergency shelter in the Lower Keys. While local, around the clock, domestic violence shelter and hotline services in Monroe County have continued to operate since the temporary closing of the Lower Keys shelter in April, the goal has been always been to reopen the shelter as soon as it was possible.

An agreement between the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV), Victim Response, Inc. (The Lodge) and Monroe County’s DAS has ensured that survivors of domestic violence and their children residing in Monroe County have maintained access to critical life-saving shelter and services within the community. “By working with these and our community partners, we are pleased that we are now able to reopen the Lower Keys shelter for survivors and their children fleeing violent relationships,” said Jennifer Powell, President of the DAS Board of Directors.

DAS has worked closely with partners in Monroe County and the Lower Keys community to ensure survivors needing emergency shelter have access to wrap-around services as they work to access safety from abuse. “Our first priority has been and continues to be for survivors of domestic violence and their children. These partnerships provide additional resources to ensure that shelter and other critical life-saving services remain available and accessible to women, children and men seeking safety,” said Powell. “DAS is working hard to retool and strengthen our organization. Thanks to our partners and the support from the community we are pleased to take this important step.”

If you are in fear for your safety, please call the Statewide Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 or the DAS local hotline at 305-743-4440.