To address the problem of domestic violence in Fairfield County, The Lighthouse provides safety for victims in several ways. The shelter, located in Lancaster, provides 24/7 access to our six-room, 22-bed facility. Starting with the initial crisis call, staff work with clients to provide strategies for enhanced safety. Safety requires both the absence of abuse and the presence of basic needs like food, clothing and other essential needs. We cannot just provide help in separating from an abusive relationship, we also refer clients to local mental health agencies for counseling, help with opportunities to earn a living wage, secure safe, affordable childcare and housing. Without working with our clients to establish a successful future, their choices may include returning to a shelter, returning to an unsafe relationship or homelessness. Our Victim Advocate program works with in-shelter clients as well as those throughout the county who are victims of domestic violence, and other Senate Bill 2 cases, by assisting with various misdemeanor crimes including, but not limited to; DV threats, aggravated menacing, stalking and child endangering. The Lighthouse Victim Advocates are invaluable and provide necessary services as the liaison between the prosecutor's office, the court, defense counsel and the defendant on behalf of the victims of crime. Our goal is to meet and exceed the needs of our clients, to ensure the safety of domestic/family violence survivors and their children, all while increasing batterer accountability for their abusive behavior.