Paula Roller
Turning Point now has programming in conjunction with the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. This program is funded by the State of Ohio and is specifically for incarcerated women. Entitled “Choosing Peace,” it covers the dynamics of intimate partner violence and the effects of trauma.
Turning Point is the local domestic violence program whose service area includes Union county as well as Crawford, Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Wyandot counties. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the vast majority of women in prison have been victims of violence prior to their incarceration including domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and child abuse.
Participants examine the violence they have experienced and their own use of force. Different techniques and methods are utilized to teach students how to identify trauma triggers and develop skills to make peaceful decisions. Topics include the effects of trauma, self-talk, boundaries and accountability.
“This program is necessary for survivors of domestic violence, especially those in the prison environment,” said Paula Roller, Executive Director of Turning Point. “The officials at ORW let us know that every woman incarcerated there either committed a crime to a man, with a man or because of a man. To me, that speaks volumes about the effects of domestic violence in society.”
With the addition of the ORW program, Turning Point welcomed CJ Williams to their staff. CJ has an extensive background working with those involved with domestic violence. CJ also has previous experience with the “Choosing Peace” curriculum and has worked with those incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women.
“We are pleased that CJ is now part of our staff. The experience she brings is awesome and she is passionate about the work,” said Roller about her newest employee.
Turning Point operates a shelter in Marion and their crisis line is available 24 hours a day. The shelter is handicap accessible and can house about 50 people. Turning Point has advocates available who inform victims of their rights as well as provide referrals to other resources. There is an in-school prevention program that teaches teens about healthy dating relationships; Turning Point offers children’s programming for the children who have experienced domestic violence. In addition, their community education coordinator is open to discuss domestic violence and provide a more in-depth look at our services.
Turning Point is always looking for volunteers to help them in their mission.
Turning Point is located at 330 Barks Road West in Marion and can be contacted at (740) 382-8988 or 1-800-232-6505. Turning Point is also online at turningpoint6.org and also on Facebook and Twitter.
Turning Point is a United Way agency and is also funded by the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
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