Victims of Domestic Violence Will Find a Safe Haven in Expanded Facility

While October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, has ended, domestic violence will unfortunately continue, as will the need for awareness and services in answer to the growing dilemma.

This week, the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS) held a press conference to address the issue of domestic violence and announce plans for a new building, which will be more than double the size of their current location.  After years of hard work and determination since its inception in 1976, VIBS will soon be able to meet the needs of the increasing demand for its services in a 20,000 sq. ft. building.

One of the components of the new facility will be the ample space that has been allocated to expand the children's counseling program, and provide room for art, drama and play therapy.

In attendance at the conference was Sen. Brian Foley, who recently lost reelection to Lee Zeldin and has long been a supporter critical to securing funds needed for the new structure. He built upon the earlier appropriations of his predecessor Caesar Trunzo and Sen. Owen Johnson, also in attendance, to announce a major capital funding grant of $250,000, enabling this imperative expansion to become a reality.  This will be a lasting legacy to Foley's brief term as State Senator.  Johnson also obtained $135,000 in funding toward the building.

The architect in charge of the project, Andrew R. Levenbaum, was there with architectural renderings, and to give a presentation on what the new structure will include.

The meeting was held in the current, overcrowded childcare room, evidencing the imperative nature of this move.  The playroom is made to accommodate babies through age 12.  It is where children engage in play therapy in a nurturing environment while their mothers, who are victims of abuse, receive counseling. 

"We put all of them together," said Anne Marie Weber, director of children's services for VIBS, "The most aggressive kids, it taps into their gentle side and their empathy when they're with the little kids ... Kids are told to keep abuse secret; if they make art, music or plays it's easier to work on."

VIBS' new sanctuary will also feature plenty of space for counseling services, a job re-entry training tech room and a rape crisis center.

"It is one of the most outstanding not-for-profits in the state of New York to tackle an issue," Foley said, "unfortunately, still growing in the state of New York. It is really important for men, women and children to receive services that they would otherwise not have if VIBS didn't exist."

The exact location of the new structure is being kept confidential for client safety, but will be housed somewhere in Islandia.

"Because of Foley's grant we're closing [on purchasing the new building] in the next week or two," said fundraiser Pat Barry. "What we hope is that in three to six months we can start saving money on rent versus ownership."

VIBS served 1,900 victims of domestic violence in 2009 with 7,000 calling the 24-hour, 7-day-a-week, hotline over the course of the year.  Last year they also examined and comforted 299 victims of sexual assault, the youngest being five months old and the oldest being 95.

In 1976, when the organization was just getting off the ground, no one realized that there was so much domestic abuse in suburban Long Island.   This expanded building will meet the growing need for counseling and services as Long Island has seen increases in domestic violence reports and arrests, and assaults on children over the past year — a disturbing trend that mirrors escalating figures statewide.

Foley said of obtaining money for the grant, "It's a wise investment of taxpayer funds.  In times of economic duress, sexual assault is among one of the areas of stress."

Need to talk to someone?  Through its hotline VIBS provides counseling, information, referrals and access to emergency room companions and SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) centers.  Call (631) 360-3606 or Email the hotline at hotline@vibs.org.