Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I help my friend (family, etc.) who is in an abusive relationship?
A. Consult our help guideline section for tips.
Q. Where is Golden House located?
A. Golden House is located at 1120 University Avenue in Green Bay, WI. It is near the corner of Webster and University Avenue, just to the east of Webster.
From Interstate 43, take the Webster exit and head south. Go to the second stop light (about a mile) and turn left onto University Avenue (University Ave. is also called Hwy 54). Golden House is the two-story brown building located less than a block away on your right.
From Green Bay or DePere, take Webster north, past Bellin and St. Vincent Hospital. Follow Webster until you reach University Ave. Take a right onto University, and Golden House will be on your right.
Click to view a street map of the area.
Q. Are shelter and other services available to older women?
A. The Golden House has quieter rooms available and handicapped accessible bathrooms for older women.
Q. Are shelter and other services available to men?
A. The Golden House offers domestic violence services to men, as well as women and children. Men can call our 24-hour Help Line, meet one-on-one with an advocate, get assistance in filing a restraining order, and be provided with shelter.
Men do not stay at the Golden House for shelter; they are housed in a hotel.
All of our services are free to women and men.
Q. Do you have any Spanish-speaking counselors or support groups?
A. Yes. We have a full-time advocate who is fluent in Spanish. We also have support group meetings for Spanish victims on Mondays 6:30-8:00pm.
Q. How do I get a restraining order against my abuser?
A. Consult our restraining order guidelines section for information.
Q. Is there any emotional support available for my children?
A. Yes. We have full-time children's advocates who can meet and talk with your children. We also have a children's support group that meets every Tuesday from 6:30-8 (the same time as the women's support group meeting).
Q. I have a cat & dog. What will happen to them if I stay in the shelter?
A. We work with organizations that will board your pet for free (for a set amount of time) while you're staying at the shelter.
Q. What is "mandatory arrest" and how does it work?
A. Wisconsin has a mandatory arrest policy, which means that in most cases, the officer called to the scene will arrest the primary physical aggressor. In determining who is the primary physical aggressor, an officer should consider the intent of this section to protect victims of domestic violence, the relative degree of injury or fear inflicted on the persons involved and any history of domestic abuse between these persons, if that history can reasonably be ascertained by the officer.
The victim is not "pressing charges" against the aggressor. The state of Wisconsin is pressing charges. To find out more about this, please call the District Attourney's Office at: 920-448-4190
Q. What are the warning signs of a batterer?
A. This answer is summarized in the red flags page.
Q. I don't want anyone to know I'm staying here, especially my abuser. Is my confidentiality protected?
A. All staff and residents of the shelter are required to sign a complete confidentiality agreement before coming here, and it is strictly enforced! NO ONE IS ALLOWED to tell anyone that you are staying here (including those calling and claiming to be police, relatives, friends, etc).
Q. How is your organization funded?
A. Golden House is a nonprofit organization funded by donations, grants, and other means. Please visit our Special Events page to see the upcoming events.
Q. Do you offer any paid positions or unpaid internships?
A. Yes, please see our internships page for unpaid positions; view our jobs page for paid positions available in the field.