Creating More Safe Places for Survivors Across the Lehigh Valley

When someone is experiencing domestic or intimate partner abuse, knowing where to turn and who they can trust can make an important difference. Survivors may not be ready to contact a domestic violence organization directly, but they may feel comfortable sharing their experiences with someone they already know or interact with regularly.

That is why Turning Point of Lehigh Valley is working throughout our community to create more safe places for survivors to go, ask questions, access resources, or disclose abuse.

Healthcare Providers: Connecting Survivors to Resources

Turning Point has provided healthcare providers across the Lehigh Valley with our Purple Cards, along with trauma-informed screening resources. These tools help providers recognize potential signs of domestic and intimate partner abuse and provide survivors with information about available support.

A trauma-informed approach helps ensure that conversations about abuse are handled with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the many barriers a survivor may face.

By equipping healthcare professionals with resources and information, we can help ensure that survivors have an opportunity to connect with support when they are ready.

Hair Salons: Creating Safe Conversations

Hair salons can also be important community spaces where people feel comfortable talking openly. Stylists often develop trusting relationships with their clients and may notice changes in someone’s behavior or circumstances.

Hair salons that have completed Turning Point’s training receive a window decal they can proudly display. The decal helps communicate that the business has taken steps to become more informed about domestic and intimate partner abuse and can help create a visible reminder that safe, supportive resources are available in our community.

Businesses: Becoming a Business of Excellence

Workplaces are another important place for prevention, education, and support. Domestic and intimate partner abuse can impact employees’ safety, well-being, attendance, productivity, and ability to work.

Companies that complete Turning Point’s Workplace Training receive a social media package they can use to share their commitment to creating a safer, more informed workplace. Participating businesses can also identify themselves as a Business of Excellence and are featured on Turning Point’s website.

Becoming a Business of Excellence is more than a recognition, it demonstrates a company’s commitment to understanding domestic and intimate partner abuse, supporting employees, and helping create a community where survivors know they are not alone.

Small Steps Can Create Safer Communities

Creating safe places for survivors doesn’t happen in one location or through one organization. It happens when healthcare providers, businesses, salons, community organizations, and individuals learn how to recognize concerns, respond appropriately, and connect people with resources.

Every trained professional, every resource card shared, and every business willing to learn helps expand the network of safe and informed places throughout the Lehigh Valley.

You never know when someone may need a safe place to turn. By becoming informed, you can help make sure that when they are ready to reach out, there is someone prepared to listen and connect them with support.

Want to Become a Safe Place in Your Community?

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley offers training opportunities for healthcare professionals, businesses, hair salons, and community organizations. Whether your goal is to better support employees, serve clients, or strengthen your organization’s response to domestic and intimate partner abuse, your organization can be part of creating a safer Lehigh Valley.

Melissa Robinson
Training and Education Director