For a woman who is trapped in an abusive relationship, it can seem like there’s nowhere to go.

She needs somewhere that will keep a roof over her and her children’s heads, support them while they get on their feet financially and help them navigate the nightmare that follows the escape of their nightmare — restraining orders, court appearances, divorce cases, custody proceedings, finding a job and a new place to live, and much more that most of us can’t imagine being able to handle all at once.

But the Genieve Shelter is providing a place for residents of Suffolk — all of Suffolk, not just downtown — and several surrounding localities, including Franklin, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Surry, to find all that support and more here in the area they already are familiar with, where their kids are going to school, where they might have family and friends, where they might have a job it’s safe to return to.

And there’s more good news about the Genieve Shelter. It is in the process of expanding, according to executive director Mary Williams-Davis.

The shelter has renovated a single-family home it acquired in Suffolk to serve up to six single women at a time. The expansion will help free up beds in the main shelter, which still serves families, so all domestic violence survivors will benefit.

People can live at the shelter for up to 90 days before they must move on to more permanent housing.

Williams-Davis said there is increasing demand for the shelter’s services, and therefore the shelter needs donations to help renovate the new home and maintain those facilities and services already available.

Donors can call 925-4365 or visit www.thegenieveshelter.org for more information or to donate.

We encourage all who are able to give to the Genieve Shelter’s newest effort and to its ongoing support, whether through your volunteerism or your monetary donation.