What Happens When You Come to Our Domestic Violence Shelter

Taking the first step toward safety is one of the most courageous things a person can do. We know it isn't easy. If you're reading this, you may be scared, exhausted, or unsure of what to expect. You may have questions — about what the shelter looks like, what you'll be asked, whether your children can come with you. We want to answer those questions, and we want you to know: you are not alone, and you will be met with kindness.

Here's what you can expect when you walk through our doors.

You Will Be Safe

Your safety is our top priority — everything we do is built around it. Our shelter location is kept confidential, and we have security policies and procedures in place to protect every person who stays with us. If you have concerns about being found, please talk with our staff — safety planning is one of the most important things we do together.

Your stay with us is completely free of charge. You will never receive a bill for shelter, meals, or any services provided during your stay.

You Will Be Welcomed, Not Judged

The moment you arrive, our staff will greet you with warmth and without judgment. It doesn't matter how you got here, how long the situation has been going on, or whether you've left and come back before. None of that changes the welcome you'll receive. Our only concern is your safety and well-being.

BRASS, Inc. does not discriminate in the provision of services on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, age, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everyone is welcome here.

What the Shelter Looks Like: Communal Living

Our shelter is a communal living environment — one of the most common questions we get on our crisis line! Here's what that means in practice: you will have your own bedroom, which you share with your children if you're coming with them. Each room is equipped with a TV, mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Common areas like the kitchen, living room, dining room, and bathrooms are shared among residents.

Think of it a bit like a household: everyone living together, looking out for one another, and following shared guidelines that keep the space safe and respectful for all.

The shelter provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday. On weekends, food is available for residents to prepare themselves. Snacks are available around the clock.

Privacy and confidentiality are taken seriously. Residents are asked to keep each other's names and information private, and the same is true of our staff — we will never share your personal information with outside agencies without your explicit permission.

What to Expect When You First Arrive: The Intake

When you arrive, you'll go through an intake process with one of our Crisis Intervention Advocates. As part of this process, we will ask you to share information about your situation — including information about the person who harmed you, a narrative history of your relationship, and the types of abuse you have experienced. We know this is not easy to put into words, and we are truly grateful for the trust it takes to share it.

This information helps us understand what you've been through, assess safety risks, and make sure we connect you with the right support from the start. Our advocates are here to listen without judgment. You will be believed, and you will be treated with care.

We'll also walk you through the shelter's rules and residents' rights — common-sense guidelines focused on safety, privacy, and cooperation, designed to protect everyone who calls this place home. This is also a great time to ask any questions you have about your stay.

Your Basic Needs Are Covered

Many people arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs — that's okay. We are ready for that. Each new resident and child receives a personal care package, and the shelter provides clothing, toiletries, linens, and other necessities. Personal hygiene products are available, and if there's something you need that you can't find, just ask an advocate.

We can also help you make arrangements to replace medications, personal documents, or other items you had to leave behind.

Your Children Are Welcome

If you're coming with children, they are absolutely welcome. You will share a room with them, and our staff understands that children have been affected by what they've witnessed. We're here for them too.

A Child Advocate is available to work with you and your children. They can help enroll your child in school or childcare, facilitate children's group sessions and recreational activities, and provide parenting support.

Childcare may be available on site during adult group sessions when staff is available. If you need childcare for a specific appointment — like a housing meeting, medical visit, or court appearance — you can request Emergency Assistance Funds in the form of a childcare voucher with at least 24 hours' notice.

A Note About Pets

ADA-recognized service animals are welcome at BRASS, Inc. Emotional support animals are also permitted with signed documentation from a medical professional — this documentation must be provided within 24 hours of shelter entrance. Up to two ESAs per household may be permitted, with appropriate documentation for each.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate other pets on site. If you have a pet and are unsure what to do, please call us — we can help connect you with local resources such as emergency pet shelters or foster programs so that leaving doesn't mean leaving your animal without care.

Getting Here Safely

For your safety and ours, all residents come to shelter with a police escort from the Bowling Green Police Department (BGPD). Here's how that works depending on your situation:

• If you have your own vehicle, BGPD can escort you directly to the shelter.

• If someone is dropping you off, they can bring you to BGPD and officers will escort you from there.

• If you need a ride from your home or another location, we can help arrange for BGPD to come pick you up and bring you to us.

Getting Around During Your Stay

Once you're here, we can help with transportation for work, appointments, and case-related travel. We provide free bus passes for the GO BG transit system, work with community partners for work transportation, and can connect Medicaid-eligible residents with LKLP Medical Transportation for medical appointments. To reduce barriers even further, social workers and therapists will sometimes come directly to the shelter to meet with you. Talk to your advocate about what you need — we'll help figure it out.

Ongoing Support from Our Crisis Intervention Advocates

Throughout your stay, you'll have regular contact with our Crisis Intervention Advocates — they're here for you in person, seven days a week. You'll meet individually with your assigned advocate at least twice a week, and you can also request to speak with any advocate on shift at any time.

Advocates can connect you with a wide range of support, including:

• Safety planning tailored to your situation

• Assistance filing for an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) and navigating the court system

• Court advocacy — an advocate may be able to attend domestic violence hearings with you for support

• Emergency financial assistance — such as help purchasing a cell phone, gas card, clothing, personal care items, bus tickets, or a new ID

• Referrals for counseling and therapy (both on-site visits and community referrals)

• Support groups — adult groups meet weekly and cover topics like financial literacy, pattern changing, and more

• Transitional and long-term housing assistance, including help navigating the Coordinated Entry housing system

• Housing assessments and advocacy — residents are eligible for housing support after 15 days in shelter

• Referrals for drug and alcohol intervention services

• Information on Crime Victim Compensation

• Help registering with VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday) to receive notifications about your abuser's status

  
  

Planning for What Comes Next

Our shelter is a temporary, emergency shelter — most stays range from a few days to one month or more. Whatever your timeline, our advocates will help you plan your next steps. Housing options may include transitional housing, Section 8 assistance (Bowling Green has a homeless preference for shelter residents), long-term supportive housing programs, or rapid rehousing through the Emergency Solutions Grant. We'll work with you to identify barriers and find the path that works for your situation.

We also provide outreach services after you leave the shelter, available throughout our ten-county service area. You'll have the opportunity to meet with an outreach advocate before you exit, so you're never left without a next step.

You Are in Charge Here

Your experience at BRASS will be guided by your choices. We respect your autonomy and believe that you are the expert on your own life. Our role is to offer support, information, and options — not to tell you what to do or rush you into decisions before you're ready.

You Don't Have to Be Certain to Call

You don't need to have made a final decision about your relationship or your future to reach out to us. Many people who contact us are still weighing their options. That's okay. Our shelter is a place to find safety, clarity, and support — whatever you decide.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. Our 24-hour crisis lines are available day and night: 1-800-928-1183 (toll free) or 1-270-843-1183.

You deserve safety. You deserve support. You deserve to be free.

BRASS, Inc. is here for you.