Stores provide safe havens for domestic violence victims

A chain of Indiana convenience stores now is providing safe places where victims of domestic violence can seek help.

All Ricker's Convenience Stores in Hamilton County have joined the "Safe Haven" initiative, in which identifying stickers in the store windows show victims of domestic violence they can seek help there.

If someone feels they're in danger from domestic violence, they can go to one of the six locations, where employees are trained to call either 911 or the victim advocacy group Alternatives Inc. From there, they'll be transported to an emergency shelter.

The program already has been in place at all of Anderson-based Ricker's locations in adjacent Madison County since 2003.

Alternatives Inc. CEO Mary Jo Lee says the program "is a life saver for victims."