Domestic abuse center reports helping 50,000 in 2007

Last year, Safe Nest helped more than 50,000 Las Vegans affected by domestic abuse.

"A lot of them are afraid for their lives," said Estelle Murphy, executive director of the nonprofit organization. "These people got over the embarrassment and the shame that they felt, but they're still in hiding."

Safe Nest operates an emergency shelter, a 24-hour hot line and a counseling center for victims and their children -- as well as an advocacy program for teens who are abusing. It also provides case management and legal help.

"Not everybody needs shelter, but a lot of people need help with the courts, protection orders and getting safe after they're out," Murphy said.

All services are provided free other than counseling.

"But it's a minimal amount," Murphy said, "and most of our victims don't pay it." (Safe Nest covers those who can't.)

About 200,000 Las Vegans are affected by domestic abuse, according to the Department of Justice (which estimates its prevalence at 10 percent of the general population). That abuse isn't only physical and sexual. It's also psychological.

"But it isn't just the victims that are impacted," Murphy said. "It impacts the family members, the friends and anyone who doesn't know how to handle the situation."

Murphy estimated that Safe Nest receives more than 35,000 hot-line calls a year.

Safe Nest, headquartered at 2915 W. Charleston Blvd., employs 60 full-time program staff members and 120 volunteers. It operates on an annual budget of $4 million -- 35 percent from the state, 30 percent from federal dollars and 35 percent from private funding.

But more volunteers and donations are needed, Murphy said.

For more information about Safe Nest, call 877-0133.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0456.