Many are aware the House of Ruth as a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence — but their services are far more expansive than many know.
House of Ruth Criminal Justice Specialist LaRita Bighems briefed law enforcement and emergency services this month on the wide range of services the organization provides at a widely-attended talk in early January and another briefing today.
Not only does House of Ruth provide shelter for those who need to get out of domestic violence situations, but they also offer court advocacy and support.
The House of Ruth can attend court with victims of domestic abuse victims and help guide them through the court system, helping them obtain protection order from their abusers and more.
But they also help victims get out of the homes where abuse happened by offering shelter, helping victims move, and providing transportation.
They can assist with housing and utility deposits, gas cards, Uber fees, and bus tickets to get away from an abusive situation. They can help get driver’s licenses and new IDs as well.
Furthermore, if victims are put in a situation where they lose access to their medication, the House of Ruth can help them get medication safely. The House of Ruth can also help victims get signed up for health insurance.
The House of Ruth also has resources for men who are victims of domestic violence.
“A lot of people don’t know that we offer those services, and so that’s part of the program. We do, of course, offer safe shelter to for the nine counties that we do serve, but the court side of it is, you can file for the House of Ruth for there to be somebody who will go to court with you. There’s somebody who will help you file that protection order. There’s somebody who can help you file for divorce or help with child custody,” Bighems said. “I think if victims were just aware that you can call the House of Ruth and have an advocate, have somebody walk you through the process, explaining to you what’s going to happen… I think that would make a big difference.”
But victims should know they need to come to court, otherwise the case can be thrown out after missing court twice.
Bighems also said victims may not feel they can go to court or file a police report on their worst day, but allowing law enforcement and judges to see any physical harm could help their case.
While the House of Ruth doesn’t require a police report to have access to their services, Bighems and attending Dothan Police officers discussed that victims shouldn’t be afraid to file a police report for abuse, as that report could help their case in the future.
Officers said those reports, even without pressing charges, can help establish a pattern of abuse for court action in the future and help in obtaining protection orders.
The House of Ruth shelter is open 24 hours a day. They can pick victims up only from the police department or the hospital, as the shelter is in a safe location.
If you or someone you love is in a domestic violence relationship or has been a victim of sexual assault please call the House of Ruth 24-hour help line now (334) 793-2232
