Charlene Muhammad | Special to the Oakland Post

Problems born out of the trauma and cruelty of domestic violence affect families of all backgrounds in Alameda County.

Often the most tragic stories make news headlines, horrifying us, but rarely do we hear about solutions — or resolutions.

Founded by an African American Oakland resident in 2009, Johnnia Faye Davis, Serenity House Oakland is an example of a community-focused organization that centers its services around solutions that can bring about meaningful change in their victims’ lives.

“Recognize signs of abuse. Create a safety plan,” said Sherrol Gray, associate executive director of Serenity House, who encourages the victims they serve to be pro-active about their care, counseling, and recovery.

According to Gray, Serenity House is a residential treatment program for women suffering from addiction and other forms of trauma or abuse. The program offers women the choice to live in their recovery residence or the ability to receive the full scope of their day program services.

Serenity House’s groups include Relapse Prevention, Anger Management, Freedom from Domestic Violence, Parenting, Character Building and Battlefield of the Mind.

Gray recommends survivors become educated, as part of solutions people can apply to their daily lives. One way to escape an abusive situation is to store names of individuals who may be contacted in crisis situations. She encourages survivors to practice self-care and talk about what is happening with someone they trust.

But it is critical to avoid isolating victims, she stated.

Part of Serenity House’s services include a safe shelter program for victims of domestic violence. It provides emergency hotel rooms, wraparound support, resources, and connections to housing and employment for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence.

According to Serenity House, over 74 % of the women who have completed a nine-month stay there have been successful in staying clean and sober and have transformed their lives. In addition, between April and December of 2020, over 40 women and their children received the emergency benefits that their shelters offer and 35 have been connected to housing and employment.

Gray shed further light on some solutions that Serenity House is implementing to help prevent domestic violence, such as safe environments for survivors.

“Most survivors tend to remain in abusive relationships due to lack of finances or a safe place to go. Therefore, we assist survivors with short term hotel vouchers or referrals to safe shelters and transitional housing,” said Gray. “Lastly, but most important, a chance to connect with others who have been in similar situations and reduce feelings of isolation brought on by the abuser.”

Serenity House also assists with support groups that provide survivors with education to help them recognize abuse, learn effective communication skills and develop healthy relationships, according to Gray.

Serenity House’s counseling component provides a safe and confidential environment where survivors can express their feelings and thoughts. The goal, the organization says, is to help them process the traumatic memories so they can move on, says Gray. And case management assists survivors in creating a safety plan, in part, by connecting them to community resources, such as legal assistance, benefits advocacy, employment service, medical services and housing assistance.

In the increasingly difficult time that we are living in due to COVID-19 and a rise in crime, services such as the recovery programs that Serenity House Oakland offers are just what the Oakland and Bay Area community need to stay on its feet, advocates say.

Family members may add to the many solutions individuals can implement in their everyday lives,” Gray pointed out. “Be supportive and encouraging. Help survivors feel empowered to leave or make the decision to leave. Avoid being judgmental or critical.”

Most of all, Gray insists, providing solutions-focused care requires patience, empathy and encouragement.

“Survivors will refrain from talking to anyone, if felt judged. Don’t criticize the abuser. Do not pressure survivors to leave. Continue to support survivors after they have left the relationship. Offer counseling and/or support groups,” she added.

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