PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia’s Women Against Abuse cut the ribbon on its newly expanded and renovated domestic violence shelter on Tuesday.
Ameya’s Place, one of two domestic violence shelters in Philadelphia operated by Women Against Abuse, received $3.6 million in much needed renovations. The changes include include new private bathrooms, flooring, lighting, HVAC system upgrades, windows and roof repair and security updates.
Those improvements make it a welcomed home away from home for those seeking refuge from intimate partner violence.
“We house about 600 individuals every year who are trying to flee their homes to be safe,” said Joanna Otero-Cruz, president and executive director of Women Against Abuse. The organization runs both facilities in Philadelphia, which serve 1,200 women, men and children fleeing abusive relationships each year.
“Unfortunately, there are times we don't have space. The prevalence of domestic violence is huge in Philadelphia, the 911 calls received are over 110,000 a year.”
The expansion will allow the organization to serve 33 more people each year. 88 people were turned away in 2023 due to lack of space.
Jamie Colleen Miller is a domestic violence survivor who fled to Ameya’s Place with her daughter in 2014. She now serves on the board.
“Being in an abusive relationship was the darkest time of my life and breaking free felt like I was digging myself out of a grave,” she said, “but I wasn't buried, I was determined. I was strong. I was so strong, even on the days when I felt weak and broken.”
The facility is named for Ameya Spratley, who was killed by her abusive boyfriend in 2010.
“You never knew my daughter, but you know her name,” said her father, Willie Spratley. “With your help and your support, her name’s gonna help someone. Someone that really needs help can call Ameya, and she's there.”