By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

For those who feel like they are in an abusive relationship or don’t feel safe in their own home, there is a place in Selma that can help.

S.A.B.R.A. Sanctuary is a domestic violence women’s shelter that offers a safe haven for women and children who don’t feel safe in their own home.

The shelter is in an undisclosed location and is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure those who come to stay in the shelter feel completely safe.

Executive director of the S.A.B.R.A. Sanctuary Nancy Travis encourages all women who feel unsafe to contact the women’s shelter.

“When home is not safe anymore or you don’t feel like you’re in a safe situation, you can come to our shelter and it’s safe there,” Travis said. “Someone is there 24 hours a day, we have an alarm system, so our women and children are safe.”

Travis said that even if women choose not to stay in the shelter, giving the shelter a call will still give them the help they need.

“Even if they don’t come in to shelter, they will call and ask for help and we give them a safety plan or we give them other resources in their area,” Travis said.

The women’s shelter offers resources such as counseling help and legal services.

Travis said there was a woman who recently reached out to the shelter who was given legal services and help with her court case. The woman was able to move into a new house with her two children with the help of S.A.B.R.A. Sanctuary.

S.A.B.R.A. Sanctuary also encourages men who feel like they are in an abusive relationship to reach out and contact the shelter. There is another shelter in an undisclosed location for men if they feel unsafe in their homes.

Travis said there are plenty of success stories of people who have picked up the phone and called the women’s shelter and, with the help of the shelter, have gotten out of their abusive relationships. Travis hopes anyone who is currently in a household with domestic violence doesn’t wait any longer to call.

“Please don’t wait too late.” Travis said. “Give us a call and we’re here to help you. We can figure out a safety plan that’s just for you so that you can hopefully stay out of danger.”

Anyone who feels like they are not safe in their homes or simply needs help in dealing with domestic violence can call the 24-hour hotline at 874-8711. If someone from out of the area wants to reach out for safety, call 800-650-6522.

“Please stay safe and we’re here to help you and just remember that it’s not your fault that no one deserves to be abused,” Travis said.