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According to statistics, survivors of domestic abuse go back to their abuser an average of seven times before they’re ready to leave. It’s a difficult cycle to break, partially because they leave behind everything – their home, belongings, and sometimes pets. But the emergency shelters want you to know, they’re equipped to help you. Pat Mantey works with the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples. In her 18 years of work, she says she has seen it all. “I received a text from a woman who said that her husband locked her in … she said that he locks her in every day, and he was abusing her daily.” When Mantey gets a call or text like that, she encourages the survivor to go to the emergency shelter. There are multiple in Southwest Florida and we’ve listed those for you below. A different organization runs each county. “When they first come in, we like to make them feel comfortable,” Mantey said. As we toured the Naples location it was clear they’ve thought of everything. There’s a dog run and kennels to house pets. At one point they had 44 animals ranging from iguanas to dogs and cats. A pantry and refrigerator is stocked with food for the survivors to cook meals anytime they want. “Sometimes this is the first time we’ve ever they’ve ever been able to think for themselves, Mantey explained. “I’ve had people come up, ladies come up to me and say, can I eat now? Is it okay if I can eat now?” There’s a basketball court to get exercise, a playground, and a room dedicated to child care. Plus, it’s all protected by high walls. The shelter also offers counseling and support groups on everything from financial help to parenting. All with the mission of empowering these survivors. “I don’t think about looking at the black eyes or whatever. I look at it, I think about what I need to do to make this person have the life that they deserve,” Mantey added. On average, a survivor spends 47 days in the emergency shelter. And all of those services are free. Before you leave your home, advocates say have your emergency bag packed and stored at a friend’s house. Include three days’ worth of clothes for you and your children, any medications you need. Also bring any important paperwork, like birth certificates, passports, and driver’s licenses. Resources National Network to End Domestic Violence: Financial Abuse Consider applying for a micro-loan with NNEDV’s Independence Project to begin rebuilding your credit score. Domestic violence myths Domestic Violence Centers map Charlotte County Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies Phone: 941-639-5499 Hotline: 941-627-6000 SMS Text: 941-449-8534 TDD: 941-627-6000 Website: carefl.org Chat: resourceconnect.com Collier County The Shelter for Abused Women & Children Phone: 239-775-3862 Hotline: 239-775-1101 TDD: 239-775-4265 Website: naplesshelter.org DeSoto County Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Phone: 941-365-0208 Hotline: 941-365-1976 TDD: 941-365-1976 Website: sparcc.net Glades County Abuse Counseling and Treatment Phone: 239-939-2553 Hotline: 239-939-3112 TDD: 239-939-3112 Website: actabuse.com Hendry County Abuse Counseling and Treatment Phone: 239-939-2553 Hotline: 239-939-3112 TDD: 239-939-3112 Website: actabuse.com Lee County Abuse Counseling and Treatment Phone: 239-939-2553 Hotline: 239-939-3112 TDD: 239-939-3112 Website: actabuse.com