Tribune Chronicle / Bob Coupland Bonnie Wilson, director of Someplace Safe, left, and Linda Baer-Bigley, legal advocate, said the domestic violence shelter in Warren recently marked 36 years in its current form. The agency was founded in June 1978 as the Domestic Violence Task Force, but later was renamed.

WARREN — It was in June 1981 that Someplace Safe received its official name to provide resources and services to victims of domestic violence in Trumbull County.

Bonnie Wilson, executive director of Someplace Safe for the past four years, said Someplace Safe and other agencies have recently been in the process of reinvigorating the Domestic Violence Task Force in Trumbull County with strategic planning sessions held in May and June.

Right before one meeting on June 23, Wilson found an interesting document.

“I was going through some documents and I found one dated June 23, 1981, the day the Domestic Violence Task Force’s name was officially changed to Someplace Safe Inc.,” Wilson said.

The Domestic Violence Task Force was established on June 30, 1978, and then three years later was renamed Someplace Safe.

“We knew we were approaching 40 years but it was nice to see the document. It was funny being at a task force meeting on June 23 and then to have documents dated June 23, 1981. We are still here and just as strong,” Wilson said.

Linda Baer-Bigley, program manager and supervisor of legal advocates at Someplace Safe, said in the 24 years she has been with the agency, she has seen a growing demand for Someplace Safe’s services.

“Years ago, we would go two to three weeks with no one in the shelter. We are now filled to capacity each week for the past four to five years,” Baer-Bigley said.

Wilson said the agency doesn’t go a day or two without a phone call from someone needing assistance.

Baer-Bigley said in 1994 the domestic violence laws changed for the first time since the late 1970s. The changes included putting more mandates on law enforcement, asking hospitals to tell victims about help being available and having a victim advocate with them in court.

“Police hand out cards to victims of domestic violence. There is more awareness now that we are out there to help,” Baer-Bigley said.

More than 2,000 Someplace Safe cards have been given to law enforcement and court officials over the years.

She said Someplace Safe will see a surge in calls to the agency when someone is killed by domestic violence.

“I think people are identifying ‘that could happen to me’,” Baer-Bigley said.

Someplace Safe offers temporary emergency shelter for up to 90 days, legal advocacy in both criminal and civil courts, a 24-hour emergency hotline, community education and speaking engagements, and anti-bullying training.

Someplace Safe has a staff of 16. Because of the increased demand for services, the Someplace Safe building three years ago underwent remodeling to include a library and resource room upstairs and a support group room. More bedrooms and bathrooms also were added.

Because of limited space, some programs are housed at nearby Beatitude House, which is a program for women and children operated by the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com