LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — For survivors of domestic violence, the decision to ask for help can come with complicated questions and fears. SafeNest says who answers that call can make a difference.
A 12-year experience
Christine Nguyen said she lived through domestic violence for 12 years while raising six children.
“I was trapped. I didn’t know what to do,” Nguyen said.
“But little did I know that making that phone call was the right step that I needed to turn around and change my life and my children’s life,” she said.
Nguyen eventually got out and received therapy and support through SafeNest.
“And I’m so happy to say I was actually able to get out and start a brand new life for me and my six children,” she said.
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Immigration status concerns
SafeNest says that for survivors of domestic violence, making the call for help can be difficult. The organization says it is hearing from survivors who are worried their immigration status, or that of a family member, could be put at risk for seeking help.
“That there’s an absolute fear. Fear to report. Fear to come forward. Fear to get any kind of help or services if your immigration status is in any way questionable,” said Liz Ortenburger, CEO of SafeNest.
Ortenburger said SafeNest has removed a language barrier that can often make asking for help more difficult by offering a bilingual hotline.
“We also do not ask people’s immigration status in order to provide services. is not part of your case here. We are here to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and that is everybody in our community,” Ortenburger said.
Reaching survivors in their language
Nguyen said being able to reach someone you can understand, and who can understand you, can matter at a critical moment.
“I think it’s an amazing resource to have to be able to reach many dialects. That way people can express their self freely and be able to understand the resources and the help that they can obtain,” Nguyen said.
SafeNest says its hotline is available 24 hours a day, 12 days a week through call or text. Their hotline number is 702-646-4981.
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