Police, Forbes House create support group

The group is opened to anyone currently or has ever been in an abusive relationship

The Eastlake Police Department has teamed up with the Forbes House to offer a domestic violence support group for victims and their children.

The support group is designed for anyone who is currently or has ever been in an abusive relationship.

A news release from the department’s Victims Assistance Program describes the free support group as a way to gain coping skills, connect with others and start to heal.

According to Noelle Silvaroli, domestic violence specialist with the Forbes House, they are excited to partner with Eastlake police.

“Both organizations have been running support groups in Lake County for years, but this is the first support group of its kind in the county partnering a police department with a domestic violence shelter,” Silvaroli said.

The Forbes House is the only domestic violence shelter in the county that offers immediate shelter for those in a crisis situation. Additionally they offer access to community resources such as

“Support groups offer a unique setting where empowerment, encouragement, education and enlightenment take place.” — Noelle Silvaroli, Forbes House domestic violence specialist

support groups, counseling, a helpline staffed by a trained domestic violence advocate 24 hours a day seven days a week, and legal advocacy.

According to the news release, the department’s Victims Assistance Program, is the first such police-based program in Ohio, and it has a fulltime

program director and victim advocate, offers court accompaniment and assistance, assists victims with compensation forms and impact statements and offers support and guidance,

“Support groups are a great way for those who are in an abusive relationship or those who have left begin to heal and process the abuse they have experienced,” Silvaroli said. “Support groups

offer a unique setting where empowerment, encouragement, education and enlightenment take place.”

Just a few of the topics discussed during gatherings include basic domestic violence education, different types of abuse, the cycle of violence and how to process and heal from the trauma.

Both the adult and children’s support group for children ages 4-14 meet simultaneously on Mondays

from 4 to 5 p.m. at the police department, 35150 Lakeshore Blvd.