This month, Turning Point welcomes October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime, and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.
Paula Roller, Executive Director, states that the problem is “more prevalent than people believe it to be, even in rural counties such as ours.”
Roller says the economic downturn has had a devastating effect on local programs working to serve survivors of abuse. While a bad economy does not cause domestic violence, it can make it worse. At the same time, there are fewer options for survivors to escape.
According to the 2012 Mary Kay “Truth About Abuse” Survey, nearly eight out of ten domestic violence shelters nationwide reported an increase in women seeking help, while the vast majority experienced decreases in funding.
Despite the challenges, domestic violence shelters served nearly 70,000 victims in one day alone, according to the latest National Network to End Domestic Violence “Domestic Violence Counts” service data. More than three out of four domestic violence survivors who sought support groups, counseling, supportive services and legal advocacy found these services to be “very helpful,” the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work reported.
Program Director, Paula Burnside, emphasized that a Turning Point resident’s “days of stay” has increased due to many barriers that domestic violence victims face such as transportation, credible job skills and affordable housing.
Throughout October, communities across the country will mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.
Turning Point invites you to their Picnic on the Porch on Friday, October 5th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. They are located at 330 Barks Road West.
For more information about Turning Point, call (740) 382-8988 or toll-free 1-800-232-6505 or visit their website at www.turningpoint6.org.
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