Andruw Jones, of the Atlanta Braves, and Candace Glickman, Miss New Hampshire USA, to appear at Jaden's Ladder's first fundraiser

January 04, 2005 - Rye, NH - A special report conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics claims that "the number of female victims of intimate violence declined from 1993 to 1998" (1.1 million down to 900,000 respectively). Despite the good news of the downward trend in these statistics, it does not eliminate the need for domestic violence shelter programs. After all, "nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives" (Commonwealth Fund Survey, 1998).

Domestic violence shelters provide a valuable service; they provide a 24 Hour Crisis Phone Line, an Emergency Shelter, Legal Advocacy, Support Groups, and Educational Programs. While several academic studies have documented the importance of shelters for victims of domestic abuse, they also highlight the need for additional assistance in the post-shelter lives of these women.

Shockingly, a majority of victims do in fact return to their abuser after they leave the security and safety of a shelter. Researchers have sighted reasons such as: financial dependence almost always ensures return (Aguirre, 1985), lack of transportation, child care, employment, social network, and job training (Tutty, 1996). Given the multiple needs of women and their children in establishing a new, autonomous life, programs that extend shelter support beyond residency appear to be critical (Tutty, 1996).

While some women need program support for only a brief period of time, others would like to have program support for longer than 6 months. And others request the option to be able to recontact someone should new or ongoing issues resurface (Tutty, 1996). Since the focus of the domestic violence shelter system is public education and emergency shelter, the needed ongoing post-shelter support must come from somewhere else.

After amassing decades of domestic violence community service and realizing first hand what has been shown in academic studies Oneta Bobbett, Jon Bobbett, Donna Decker and Tim Decker founded Jaden's Ladder in October, 2004. Almost simultaneously these founders became aware of a family that needed their help and they sprung into action. A woman leaving the shelter needed a furnished apartment to begin her new life. Without these material goods and shelter she would have returned to her abuser. Within minutes she had everything she needed to begin her life as a survivor.

As an organization, Jaden's Ladder commits to helping each survivor as much as they will help themselves. This includes, but is not limited to, providing guidance on apartment hunting or career building, obtaining new furniture and clothes, offering much needed, doctor-supervised emotional support and mentoring, and acquiring discounted day care services. The level of support for each survivor is determined on a case-by-case basis, and upon completion of a formal needs assessment.

In order to qualify for Jaden's Ladder support, survivors must be referred by an area shelter. In addition, all Jaden's Ladder recipients are required to sign a contract that obligates them to stay away from their abuser as long as they are accepting Jaden's Ladder assistance. Statistics have shown that most survivors return to their abusers several times, becoming victims once again. It is Jaden's Ladder's goal to break that cycle, through empowerment and support.

As a new foundation, Jaden's Ladder is solely dependent on donations from individuals and businesses. Therefore they will be hosting a fundraiser January 21st at the 100 Club in Portsmouth, NH. Andruw Jones, of the Altanta Braves, and Candace Glickman, Miss New Hampshire USA will make special appearances. Tickets are $100 each and all proceeds benefit Jaden's Ladder. There will be hors d'oeuvres, wine, a cash bar, live entertainment, auctions, and a fashion show sponsored by Bella Intimates. Tickets can be ordered online (www.jadensladder.org) or by calling 603-205-4746.

Violence against women such as Nicole Brown Simpson and Laci Peterson remind us that domestic violence does not discriminate and affects (primarily) women from all walks of life. Therefore "the benefits of providing ongoing support to the majority of women who come through the shelter and helping them to integrate safely back in the community seem clear" (Tutty, 1996). Jaden's Ladder is forging ahead to empower women to break the cycle of domestic violence, become active members of the community and reaching new personal milestones.

About Jaden's Ladder
Jaden's Ladder is a non-profit organization that assists survivors of domestic violence with life-enhancing, post shelter programs and support that build confidence and foster self-reliance. Jaden's Ladder works with area shelters, including Cross Road House, to provide post-shelter care guidance to ensure that survivors are empowered to take back their lives and become active and vital members of the community. For more information or to donate, please contact Oneta Bobbett at obobbett@jadensladder.org or 603-205-4746.