In an attempt to continue sheltering domestic violence victims, the Physical Abuse Centre has launched a fundraising campaign.

The Safe House Building Fund Campaign has set its sights on raising over half-a-million dollars.

A detailed brochure requesting cash donations for the Centre to purchase "a safe refuge from abusive or dangerous environments'' has been sent to some 10,000 homes and 600 businesses Island-wide.

"We are asking the community to help us in this project,'' Centre chairperson June Augustus told The Royal Gazette . "Our target is $700,000.'' After being forced to move from four previous locations, the Centre has decided to buy its new safe house rather than rent again so it can meet the needs of victims and their children.

"This new house will cost $450,000,'' Mrs. Augustus said. "The extra money will go toward repairs like painting the outside, new shutters and other things pertaining to the upkeep of the house.

"We are appealing to members of the community to support our efforts,'' she added. "But not everyone fully understands domestic violence. Many say, `Why don't they just leave?'.

"Many individuals who ask this question mistakenly assume that the victim has full control over the situation. Unfortunately, escaping an abusive relationship is not so simple,'' she said.

She referred to statistics revealed earlier this year that indicated occurrences of domestic violence were increasing.

In 1991, the Centre received 240 calls for help and admitted 99 people to its facility.

In 1994, 353 calls came in and 149 victims were provided refuge. This year's statistics show little signs of improvement.

Between January and June of this year, the Centre received 303 calls for help and sheltered 69 victims.

Acknowledging that these numbers will certainly surpass those of recent years, Mrs. Augustus said: "In the past six years the problem of domestic violence has obviously worsened. It cannot be ignored.'' Mrs. Augustus outlined the various reasons women stay in abusive relationships, including their concern for safety.

"The victim of domestic violence is often more at risk of being in danger once she attempts to seek help and leave the relationship,'' she said.

She also noted that "threats of violence and death'' toward the victim, her children, and others who help her can prevent her from terminating the relationship.

Other reasons included a lack of emotional support from friends and family, future economic hardships and legal concerns.

Personal and social beliefs can also hinder her decision, Mrs. Augustus added.

The fact that the abuser was not always violent, the woman's belief that she deserved it, and society's acceptance of violence against women were three of the main factors that frustrated the victim's attempts to terminate her relationship, she said.

"The Centre and the community have in the past and still can help these women,'' she added.

"The new safe house will be able to provide a haven for such women.'' Mrs. Augustus thanked all of those who have already donated to the fund, especially those who have mailed in individual contributions of $1,000.

"They know who they are,'' she said. "We (the Centre) are very grateful.'' Mrs. Augustus also stressed that there was a need to update the Protection of Children Act.

"The Physical Abuse Centre wishes to publicly advocate that attention be given to the many occurrences of child abuse,'' she said.

"Statistically, the numbers are climbing steadily and the frequency of cases suggests that a crisis situation has now been reached.

"We see ample proof that by not confronting the situation head on, the delay has become costly. The situation cannot be left to take care of itself...now is the time to act.'' Mrs. Augustus also pointed out that next month is International Domestic Violence Awareness Month and that the Centre will be holding events in recognition of physical and sexual abuse victims.