Domestic violence month recognized
It’s not uncommon to celebrate a cause by declaring a month or a day in its honor.
For some causes, the point is not rejoicing, but bringing attention to the issue. Domestic violence is one such case.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Already the mayors of Iola and Chanute have issued proclamations in recognition.
Sadly, the need for awareness is increasing, said Hope Unlimited Director Dorothy Sparks.
“Ten years ago, our shelter units for the whole year were around 300. Now we’re doing that per quarter.”
A shelter unit is the equivalent of one night’s stay by a woman or child who has had to flee their home due to domestic violence. In 2009, Hope Unlimited provided 1,183 shelter units. Already this year, there is an increase in the number of patrons served, Sparks said.
“I think the economy, especially in the past couple of years, has added an extra stressor to families,” she said.
The load has risen so much that an additional caseworker had to be hired. “Luckily, we got a grant for that,” Sparks said.
The domestic violence advocate joined another already at the Iola office of Social and Rehabilitative Services, Sparks said.
Statewide, caseloads for domestic violence advocates runs about 20 clients per worker. At the Iola SRS office, the load was 90.
“Our numbers were the highest in the state,” Sparks said.
IN KANSAS, one of every 10 women reports domestic violence victimization, according to the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. That equates to about 100,000 women.
The number is always considered to be low, Sparks acknowledged, because domestic violence often goes unreported.
Many people, Sparks said, believe that domestic violence is apparent through bruises or other observable signs of battering. “I think that is a misconception,” she said. “Not all violence is physical.”
Emotional control, verbal abuse, financial control and other means of psychological torment are all forms of abuse, Sparks said.
“If someone lives with constant belittling, their self esteem suffers. Those wounds don’t heal,” she said.
“It seems odd, but the physical wounds are easier to recover from.”
Sometimes, domestic violence leads to death.
Across the state, from January through August of this year, “20 adults and six children have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence,” the Kansas Coalition reported.
Hope Unlimited is trying to raise awareness of such facts, and also to let Allen Countians know that they can do something to help.
They are kicking off a new campaign, “Do One Thing,” this month.
“Everybody can do one thing to help end domestic violence,” noted Visitation Center Coordinator Michelle Meiwes.
“That can be as simple as donating an item or donating time or reading a book to become more informed about domestic violence,” she said.
“We desperately need paper goods and household items like laundry detergent,” added victim advocate Cyndy Greenhagen. “Even $10 a month adds up.”
“Maybe you can bring one can of coffee or have two or three hours to answer phones,” Sparks said by way of example of other “one things” that can be done.
Help is also needed to winterize the shelter, she added.
IOLA’S HOPE Unlimited serves clients in Allen, Neosho, Woodson, Wilson and Anderson counties. “We also get a lot of calls out of Linn and Bourbon counties, and we will take those,” Sparks said.
The next closest service provider, she said, is in Pittsburg, Overland Park or Emporia.
Hope Unlimited provides a shelter, emergency transportation away from a domestic violence situation, and support services such as assistance with job seeking, filing legal papers, transportation to medical or legal appointments, and replacement of clothes and household items that had to be abandoned in fleeing violence, Sparks said.
As a result, the agency is always in need of donations, especially of things “people don’t normally think of,” Sparks said, such as paper products, laundry supplies, toilet paper and hygiene items, socks and “new underwear of all sizes for women and children.” Lately, she said, “A lot of our clients have been looking for scrubs.”
Office supplies are also needed, especially ink cartridges, copy paper and stamps.
“We mail everything on behalf of the women,” Sparks said. “If we have to go buy that, it’s not in our budget to do so, especially with state and federal budget cuts.”
One of the agency’s major expense is its phone line, she said.
Another is food. Donations of non-perishable food for the shelter, especially pasta, is always welcome, she said. Meat, if processed by a U.S. Department of Agriculture licensed processor (such as Moran Locker) can also be accepted.
“We’ve had people bring things from their garden, and that’s wonderful,” she added.
Because every little bit helps, Hope Unlimited also holds Friday used clothing sales outside their doors at 8 N. Washington, weather permitting.
“The money raised helps us buy milk and fresh eggs for that week at the shelter,” she said.
Typically sold are out-of-season items or things that victims cannot use, Sparks noted.
While the agency accepts used clothes, she said, they must be only gently used, and “something you’d comfortably wear yourself.” Work-appropriate clothing is appreciated, she said.
“Domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic lines,” Sparks said. “It touches everybody in some way.”
A confidential Wednesday afternoon support group for any woman who has experienced domestic violence is offered at the downtown office. Call Hope Unlimited at 365-7566 for more information.
That number also directs to a 24/7 hotline for emergency situations, Sparks noted.
“Someone is always here to answer it.”
