By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Help after domestic violence and sexual assault will soon be closer for county residents. A domestic violence agency based in Newton but long serving this county is leasing an office at 422 E. Main, Marion.

Safehope provides advocacy services for victims immediately after police are summoned.

“It will be nice having them here,” Hillsboro police chief Dan Kinning said. “They’ll be more than welcome. It would be nice to have someone local who can respond. It’s not just the victims who get help, it’s us, too.”

Safehope provides crisis intervention; personal, medical, court, and law enforcement advocacy; emergency accommodations; shelter, counseling; a support group; awareness and education; and parent and child advocacy.

Advocacy services are especially helpful when an abusive family member is served a restraining order because the abuser has financial control. Financial abuse is a key element of domestic abuse, executive director Jan Jones said.

County commissioners in February agreed to give the agency $2,500 to help defray costs. Everyday items victims need are provided a confidential setting, Jones said.

Often children living in a home with domestic violence see police taking away the abuser. Safehope works to create positive interaction between kids and law enforcement.

“I definitely think this kind of agency and the services it provides are a benefit to the public,” Peabody police chief Bruce Burke said.