As we progress through the winter season our minds turn to visions of all things happy and joyful; friends, family, food, warmth, to name a few; but for some this is not reality. The truth is some women face loss of habitat, financial security, and worst of all physical injury; due to domestic violence, a scourge that although year around, increases during the winter and holiday season.
When a person decides to leave an abusive relationship, they often have nowhere to go. The choices for many are simply staying in the violent environment, going to a shelter, or living on the streets. Reluctance to leave includes leaving pets behind, disrupting children’s school attendance, financial security and abandoning most personal belongings. In the Mansfield, Richland County area help is available through the Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc. The shelter can provide transportation from the abusive home to the shelter which gives immediate safety, respite care, and supportive services. According to Executive Director, Kathy Ezawa, the recidivism rate is about six or seven visits, before the final determination to leave is made. In addition to safe housing (locations not disclosed to the public), the shelter provides guests the opportunity to fix their own meals and eat in a dining room as opposed to a cafeteria, play with their children in an enclosed playground, have a clean comfortable room, internet access and quiet places to read. Support groups, legal advocacy, life skills coaching and referrals are some of the services offered. The overall goal is to protect and inspire victims that there are better opportunities in life.
What is domestic violence? The most common answer is physical violence inflicted on a spouse, however the truth is not so simple. Any form of maltreatment including coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation, stalking, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or economic abuse used to control the other partner constitutes domestic violence. Abuse strikes couples of all races, religions, social economic status and sexual orientations. Risk factors for men or women becoming victims or abusers include poverty, lack of education, witnessing family violence as a child, and attitudes of male dominance, enhanced by substance or alcohol abuse. In some cases this abuse continues to be endorsed in some societies through sanctioning of the subjugation of women and lack of legal protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender victims. Although both males and females can be recipients, the preponderance, statistically, are women at about 85%. The seasonal increase is due to both additional money demands and the potential for more social interactions, especially with family. Remember, the drivers are power and control.
The facts:
- DV is the leading cause of injury to women, more than auto accidents, muggings and rape combined.
- Every 9 seconds a women in the US is assaulted or beaten.
- Everyday in the US more than 3 women are murdered by a boyfriend or husband.
- Cost is estimated at $4.1 billion for direct health care services.
- Loss of productivity is estimated at $1.8 billion.
- Studies show a direct correlation with homelessness, especially women with children.
- One in four women will experience or have first level direct knowledge of a victim or abuser.
How can you help? Although grants and other financial options help, there is always a need for more; think electric, natural gas, insurance, food, transportation, etc. Direct donation of items such as clothing, linens, toiletries, children’s items, etc. are always welcome. Cash or check is another way!
Don’t forget volunteers are also needed! Call their office for guidance if required, at 419-774-5845.
Their 24-Hour Crisis Line is 800-931-SAFE (7233).
