Al Gentile
Connector Editor

Domestic abuse is a problem that spans age, gender, social status and race. For many Americans, domestic abuse has deeply affected their lives.

In fact, a 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey found that nearly one in three women and one in five men experienced rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner. From the same survey it was found that 11 percent of high school students and six percent of middle school students were reported by have been physically hurt by a date “sometime in their life”.

This October was National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, a time of year when organizations and facilities across the country participate in activities to inform the public about services offered and offer important advice in identifying potential or actual abusive situations.

Organizations and facilities across the country have worked for decades to stop the occurrence and heal the wounds of domestic violence. Lowell has its own champion of this cause, and it is called Alternative House.

Established in 1978, Alternative House is a shelter for victims of domestic violence that has seen people from all walks of life searching for relief from abusive situations. They offer a variety of services that include long-term transitional housing, short term safe-housing, community education, legal advocacy and other services to help escape an abusive reality.

For Kathy Kelly, a representative of Alternative House, help is just a phone call away. “It’s important for students to know… that there is an organization in Lowell that can assist them if they have concerns about being a victim of abuse,” Kelly said.

Much like first responders such as 911, calling Alternative House will give you a person on the phone – not a machine – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year ready and willing to assist anybody in need. These calls are kept strictly confidential for the safety of the caller. “Reach out to us,” Kelly said. “Everything will be kept confidential. We have well trained staff here.”

The contact information for Alternative House, for anyone with questions or is in need of services, is located below.

Alternative House
P.O. Box 2100
Lowell, MA 01851
Website: www.alternative-house.org
Phone: 978-937-5777
Toll Free Number: 888-291-6228
Email: altorg1@aol.com