Family Violence Services
Family violence can take many forms, and all of them deserve attention and help.
Family violence — also called domestic violence or intimate partner violence — happens when one person uses power or control to harm another within a close relationship. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Abuse may be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or financial, and it often builds slowly over time.
No form of abuse is ever acceptable. You don’t have to wait for it to “get worse” before asking for help. Whether you’re being isolated from friends, threatened, controlled, or hurt in any way, support is available. Our advocates can help you recognize unsafe behaviors, make a safety plan, and connect you to resources that fit your situation.
Crisis Intervention
Support begins the moment you reach out.
When you contact SAAFE House, a trained advocate will meet with you face-to-face or over the phone to listen, assess your situation, and help you plan for immediate and long-term safety. These crisis services may include intake, assessment, and coordination with shelters, law enforcement, and legal or medical professionals.
You do not have to know exactly what you need — we’ll help you find the right next step.
Emergency Shelter & Basic Living Essentials
Available when you need it most.
SAAFE House operates two confidential shelters in the Huntsville area and surrounding communities for women and children fleeing abuse. Advocates are available 24 hours a day through our confidential hotline to help coordinate shelter placement and next steps. Clients are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the SAAFE House office. Once a client arrives at the office, an advocate will transport them to the shelter whenever possible, regardless of the time of day.
Each shelter provides a safe place to rest and regroup, including meals, personal care items, private living spaces, and on-site advocacy focused on safety, healing, and dignity.
If you are a male survivor or are unable to stay in our shelter facilities, we will help connect you with alternate safe accommodations while continuing to provide advocacy, support, and other SAAFE House services. Everyone deserves safety, respect, and support.
Legal Advocacy & Accompaniment
Helping you navigate the system.
The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when you are leaving an abusive situation. Our advocates help survivors obtain protective orders, prepare for court, and connect with law enforcement or attorneys in Walker and surrounding counties. All legal advocacy services are free, confidential, and trauma-informed. We are here to stand beside you, explain your options, and make sure your voice is heard.
Counseling & Support
Helping you rebuild strength and confidence.
Domestic violence affects emotional health as deeply as physical safety. Our licensed counselors offer private sessions and group support where survivors can process trauma and rediscover their sense of self-worth.
We also provide specialized counseling and activities for children who have witnessed violence, helping them feel secure and supported as their families heal. Every conversation is confidential, and every survivor’s journey is respected.
Beyond counseling, SAAFE House helps survivors regain stability through education, life-skills training, and referrals to community resources. We believe empowerment begins with knowledge — and every person has the strength to build a life free from fear and control.
