Williston Abuse Shelter - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Williston Abuse Shelter

As the only safe haven for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse within a 130 mile radius, the Family Crisis Shelter in Williston has seen its shelter remain at or near maximum capacity since the oil boom.

Gary Brode has more on how the shelter is keeping up with its increase in residents.

Domestic violence is reaching all-time highs in Williston according to a recent report from the state's Council on Abused Women Services. These numbers are backed up by the Family Crisis Shelter of Williston who see's the impact of the increase first hand, each day. The director of the crisis shelter believes the tight living arrangements could be a potential reason for the spike in domestic violence.

(Lana Bonnet, Director, Family Crisis Shelter) "You put that many people in a camper together, things are going to happen."

Bonnet also says drugs and alcohol are not always to blame, but certainly can escalate the problem. The organization provides shelter, protection, counseling and any other support needed for the victims of domestic abuse to get back on their feet. Unfortunately, Seeing repeat victims is a common occurrence for Bonnet who believes leaving the life of domestic violence is a process - one that takes time.

(Lana Bonnet, Director, Family Crisis Shelter) "You educate people on domestic violence and the cycle, and they start seeing this. They're realizing, I don't have to live like that"

Last year the shelter housed 75 women and 56 children. For safety precautions, the shelter location remains undisclosed. Bonnet was kind enough to take me to the site. Here I saw the living quarters of five women, all victims of domestic violence, yet taking the necessary steps to get on with their lives.

(Lana Bonnet, Director, Family Crisis Shelter) "One of our ladies that said this to me just the other day, 'I want to thank you so much. This is the first time in weeks, in months, that I have felt this calm and this safe.' "

Lives are impacted daily at the Family Crisis Shelter, which explains why so many previous victims come back, not as victims, but volunteers.

In Williston, Gary Brode, KX News.

Donations were recently given to the shelter by companies in the oil field for a total of 35 thousand dollars.

If you are interested in donating, contact the Family Crisis Shelter.