Bethesda House

Project Description

Bethesda House, located here in Clarington, is a temporary secure shelter for women with & without children who are fleeing abuse.

Durham Regional Police Services respond to on average, 14 domestic calls per day. (DRPS 2010 statistic) That’s an average of about 1 call every 2 hours. At the Durham Children’s Aid Society, domestic violence in the household is the second highest reason (after child abuse) for opening investigations. (DCAS 2010 statistic) In the seven years, July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2010, 567 women and 411 children stayed in the Bethesda House shelter and over 1,858 additional women received Outreach support in the community to deal with or leave abuse. In that same seven years Shelter staff responded to approximately 9,581 calls to the 24-hour support line.

Since its inception in 1992 Bethesda House is proud to have evolved from simply a shelter for abused women and their children to a well-known and respected agency providing a comprehensive system of professional supports that are an integral part of our community’s continuum of services to victims of domestic abuse.

Bethesda House is grateful for the funding it receives from the Provincial Ministry of Community & Social Services, however it does not cover the full cost of the services required to meet the needs of people dealing with domestic violence in Durham. Donations go a long way to help cover the rest of the costs. The support of the community is greatly appreciated.

For Years, the Bowmanville Rotary Club has supported the operation of this shelter. Until the day comes that a shelter will not be needed, Rotary will continue to ensure that Bethesda House will have it’s support.