Shreveport Fire Department Helps Victims Of Abuse

Many times woman and children become innocent victims of domestic or sexual abuse. And searching for help in these cases is never easy. That`s why the Shreveport fire department provides a safe refuge for victims, but not many people know about it. A woman who asked only to be identified as Carol was recently in an abusive relationship that escalated from bad to worse until she was finally forced to get away. "I found myself in a situation were I had to just leave. Carol had no place to go. And no idea the Shreveport fire department could help her. She says knowing this ahead of time would have made a difference. "I could have gone to a fire station and to seek help, especially in the situation that I was in." Through its safe house program Todd Cash with Shreveport fire department says they help victims of domestic or sexual abuse. "It gives them a place that they can safely, retreat to." The department is also trained to be sensitive in these cases and make sure evidence of abuse is not tampered with. It`s a program that could have gotten Carol back on track faster. "Could have gotten off the streets sooner and to a safer place sooner." Its also a program that provides victims with a chance at a new start. Fire stations through the city also provide another service. They are safe havens where mother`s who need to drop off a newborn can do so without fear of being prosecuted for it. Reported by Maria Vallejo mvallejo@ktalnews.tv