After losing more than $100,000 in state aid a northeast Kansas domestic violence shelter has continued to survive off of donations.

DoVES was found in 1987 to provide shelter and assistance to victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Doniphan, Atchison, Brown and Nemaha counties.  Ex. Dir. Debbie Pennell-Duncan said recently, the state has cut funding to many programs due to budget issues and DoVES was one of those programs impacted.

“We have lost almost $150,000 to $200,000 a year,” she said. “We are making it off of private donations.  There are some trust funds that we’re able to tap into from the counties.”

She said the funding cuts started in 2015.  Pennell-Duncan said it takes around $125,000 to operate every year.  She said donations or volunteers are much needed. DoVES is a 30 to 90 day program.  The safe house has 10 beds but it can house up to 20 people.

“A safe house is where the victims come to hide from their offenders.  It is locked 24/7, we do have a panic button,” Pennell-Duncan said. “We keep them safe.”

In 2016 she said 1,250 new clients were served which results in total of 1,835 people served in the four counties. The shelter also assist men, however Pennell-Duncan said they are not allowed at the shelter.

“I would like people to take a stand against domestic violence and sexual assault,” Pennell-Duncan said. “45 years ago I was one of those women.  They didn’t have shelters or anything like that.  It was terrible.  I remember making a vow to God that if he would spare my life I would be a good faithful and humble servant and that, I have done and that I will continue to do.”

The shelter has a crisis hotline that’s answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week 1-800-367-7075 or 1-913-367-0363.   Pennell-Duncan said if someone needs help they will go and pick them up and take them to the safe house.

Anyone interested in making donations or volunteering can call 1-913-367-0365.  Or send monetary donations to DoVES Box 262, Atchison. KS 66002.  CLICK HERE to view the agency’s website.