SAN DIEGO — More than 160 new shelter beds are available in San Diego County for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence.
Casa Mariposa, funded by the city and the county, opened in April. According to the San Diego City Attorney's Office, it's already helped 32 families.
The location was not disclosed for safety and security reasons.
"When their only options are sleeping in a car, couch surfing with friends, a hotel room for a night or two, or living on the street, they may be tempted to return to their abusers. That can lead to tragic consequences," said City Attorney Mara Elliott.
She said this new shelter truly will be lifesaving.
The new shelter is run by SBCS. CEO Kathy Lembo said getting children out of violent homes and into a safe place is so important. The shelter includes a therapeutic preschool.
"We have children in that preschool who have seen their parent murdered in front of them by another parent," said Lembo. "Some of [the children] have been victims of violence too."
"There was a great study that shows an infant in a crib and an image of their brain," she said. "And if violence is going on in that house and that child is sleeping in that crib, you see the chemistry change in the brain."
San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan said every year her office reviews 17,000 domestic violence cases. On average, 12 people a year in the county are murdered by their abusers.
If you are in an abusive situation and are looking for help, contact Your Safe Place or One Safe Place.
WATCH RELATED: Candlelight vigil held to honor victims during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Oct 25, 2023)
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET CBS 8:
ADD THE CBS8+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE Roku | Amazon Fire