Town council learns more about ‘Safe at Home’ program

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer
There is a program located in Claresholm that addresses domestic abuse, where the abuser leaves the home and stays at a place in Claresholm that provides counselling and support.
Claresholm town council learned more about “Safe at Home” when Nara Fedozzi, the program director, appeared as a delegation via video conference at council’s Jan. 10 meeting.
She explained she wants to get the word out about the program which is free of charge.
“Safe at Home” is a four-year pilot project funded by the federal government through Women and Gender Equality Canada, and is under the umbrella of the Rowan House Emergency Shelter in High River.
Fedozzi said the program is the first of its kind in Canada in a rural setting and their goal is to end domestic violence.
At the end of the four years, they will also provide a blueprint of best practices for the program.
“Safe at Home” is different from most programs where, historically, they have been for those experiencing domestic violence or fleeing it.
“Safe at Home” provides skills for people with a history of abuse towards their intimate partner, or unhealthy behaviours.
The programs has three phases.
Phase 1 is transitional housing and is a minimum of four weeks. In a case of domestic abuse, the victims can stay in their home and continue to go to work or school, and be close to support.
The male comes to the “Safe at Home” house and receives psycho-social education and case management. Fedozzi stressed in this case all instances are male, recognizing there are females who exhibit these behaviours too.
The topics covered include power and control; what abuse is; how someone becomes abusive; and more.
The focus is on taking responsibility for unhealthy behaviours and developing skills for healthier behaviour.
Fedozzi observed some clients are trying to get back to their families, while others are moving on.
She also noted the focus is on safety – safety of the family, client, and community, so they work with the RCMP.
The program takes in clients of low to medium risk where they do assessments with the client, including mental health and addictions, to ensure safety for other clients, staff, and the community, as well as to ensure the client will benefit from the program.
Phase 2 is an online portion where clients can return home if it is safe, or they have secured long-term housing.
A variety of topics are addressed including boundaries, communication, and more. There is also a focus on safety of the whole family.
If someone is unable to come to the house for Phase 1, they can join the program in Phase 2.
Fedozzi also emphasized the program is completely confidential, and it abides by all regulations on confidentiality.
Phase 3 is also online, and based on feedback from clients.
She noted they feel for the first time in a safe space where they can discuss how they feel. It was noted 100 per cent of clients themselves were victims of abuse or watched it.
The program works to provide them with supports. Often, clients believe they have a problem but did not realize the scope of it until they enter the program.
During this phase the program continues to provide case management and develop skills and tools.
The program has been open since March of last year, and runs a total of 52 weeks.
Coun. Brad Schlossberger asked how many clients have gone through the home in Claresholm.
Fedozzi said there have been four, with 35 clients in the online program so far.
Mayor Chelsae Petrovic asked what the success rate of the program is.
Fedozzi responded it is too early to say, because they have not yet had a client go right through the 52-week program yet.
“We are definitely tracking data,” she said, adding they have had positive feedback.
They are also doing surveys and measurements.
“We have seen changes in terms of behaviour,” Fedozzi said.