Domestic violence is something Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes Case Management Coordinator Tiffany Worboys faces every day through helping victims. She says awareness is key in order to continue to serve people who need help.
“The number one thing that we need from our community is for them to know that we’re here,” Case Management Coordinator Tiffany Worboys says. “And that we exist. Them understanding our services can potentially help them refer somebody that they know needs assistance, to us. Because everybody knows somebody impacted by violence.”
Services help those in a vulnerable position
Safe Harbors provides services to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and child abuse. Their services are free and confidential. They serve Yates, Seneca and Ontario Counties. Worboys role is to help those who are in abusive relationships.
“We meet them where they’re at and our job is to let them know what their options are,” Worboys says. “Ultimately they are in control of whatever they decide to do. And we support them no matter what. The biggest thing is we give them control, because control has been taken from them.”
Funding for non-profits is limited
Worboys explains government funding and what they can use it for is limited.
“If we’re able to get funding from other entities it helps us kind of meet those community trends and needs, depending on where we’re at at that point in time,” Worboys says.
In Seneca County alone, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services says there were 214 domestic violence victims in 2021. And that’s excluding those who didn’t press formal charges.
New facility for victims coming to Seneca County
Safe Harbors is opening a new nine-bed dwelling in Seneca County. Worboys says she can’t get into details, but this facility will provide more options for victims.
“Individuals will be able to reach us on our hotline and do a shelter assessment,” Worboys says. “There are certain eligibility criteria one has to meet in order to stay there. But if they don’t meet those criteria then we talk to them about other options.”
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Sitting down with Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes
Rebecca is a veteran multimedia journalist serving as one of our core reporters in the Finger Lakes region. She is responsible for telling stories that matter to every day Upstate New Yorkers. Have a question or lead? Send it to [email protected].