What You Need to Know About the Shelter of Gaston County

What is domestic violence?

A pattern of domination in which perpetrators intentionally choose to cause fear,
injury, and/or pain in order to gain and maintain power and control over their
partners. In addition to physical violence, abuse can be sexual, emotional,
economic, and technological abuse; can include stalking and harassment.
Who do we serve?
Single women and women with children who are in intimate partner abuse
situations.
We believe it is critical to serve all domestic violence survivors regardless of race,
age, class, sexual orientation, mental and physical abilities, and immigration
status. We know domestic violence leads to and co-occurs with secondary issues
for survivors; we will strive to serve all survivors of domestic violence and their
respective needs.
How does someone get into the Shelter?
The victim should call the crisis line at 704-852-6000. We always need to talk with
the victim.
We do not do intakes on-site for confidentiality and safety reasons. Someone from
the Shelter can meet a victim in the community at a safe location to discuss her
situation and screen for eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria: 1.) Recent threat and/or act of violence placing the victim in fear
of harm, 2.) Violence by a current or former intimate partner, 3.) If we believe a
caller is suicidal, homicidal, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or psychotic
we will make the appropriate referrals.
All victims enter the Shelter by police escort for safety reasons. If the victim has a
car she will need to drive to the police station or meet the police somewhere and
follow them to the Shelter.
What services does the Shelter offer?
Emergency shelter in a confidential location, food, basic needs such as toiletries
and clothing.
Groups: DV Education, Parenting, Court Advocacy, Trauma and optional groups like
budgeting.
Part-time childcare and transportation
Linkage to resources in the community that assist with employment, education,
housing, childcare, etc.
Legal advocacy, including court accompaniment and assistance in filing 50b
paperwork.
Bilingual Services
Individual support for non-residents. Call Shelter Social Worker for pre-screening
and scheduling.

What can I do when I have a client in the Shelter, or need to refer my client?
If you are aware that your client will be calling us to seek safe shelter, it is helpful
for you to call ahead of your client if possible so we can hear your concerns and
get a better idea about what is going on.
Survivors get the most out of the shelter experience when their entrance is
voluntary. Empower her to plan for her own safety, as shelter may not always be
the best solution for every situation. We are always available to discuss safety
planning based on a survivors individual situation.
The case manager is always available to discuss cases where DV is involved;
whether or not the survivor is interested in shelter.
Shelter Coordinator: Cathy Cloninger (704) 810-6492 or
Cathy.Cloninger@gastongov.com
Shelter Social Worker: Kari Brown (704) 810-6418 or
Kari.Brown@gastongov.com
Shelter Case Manager: Janet Schafer (704) 810-6495 or
Janet.Schafer@gastongov.com