Domestic Violence is America's ugly little secret- noone wants to talk about it, noone wants to get involved, and it ends up on the news, often ending in a tragedy (death- murder/suicide). The statistics are frightening- many women in this country end up victims of this terrible epidemic. This is something that happens across all socio-economic levels. Remember that dethroned judge (six figure income) who got attacked by her husband, not too long ago?
This is an organization that helps victims of Domestic Violence. I came here for counseling after getting attacked by a boyfriend's teenager, who had ADHD (diagnosed) among other problems. Prior to that, I was in an abusive (verbal and physical) marriage to a man who was very controlling and angry- it was a roller coaster, the public outbursts were embarrassing and noone offered to help, nor would any of his friends intervene.
Counseling is available at a low-cost- at the time (this was seven years ago), it was $5.00 per session. There is one-on-one counseling as well as group counseling. Both are good ways to get help. I could be more open during a one-on-one consult than with the group sessions (about 10-20 in the group). After hearing other people's experiences, I also didn't feel as if my situation was as bad- if there was a scale for that. It was also validating to hear other people's similar stories. There is no "Blaming the Victim" here, which is rampant amongst those who do not understand and cannot empathize. (You see this BTV outlook in magazine articles or tv news stories, and you can hear judgement in people's reactions- they don't understand; it's not something one can fathom unless one has been in those shoes. I truly believe this.) Counseling was very helpful- I went for about seven months. I learned that abuse is abuse. Women deserve better. Life is too short to stay in a relationship that might be a health threat to you and/or kids- and clearly I am speaking from experience, a Victor, no longer a Victim. It breaks my heart seeing other women going through this- I know what it feels like, survived it, and I'm ok now- a stronger and confident woman. I'm not saying that if you go here, all your problems are solved, I'm stating that this is a good place to go to for help (important community resource) in terms of domestic violence abuse.
Maybe you know someone who needs help- your mother, your aunt, your sister, your cousin, your friend- you can refer this organization to her. If we all can help break this cycle, it would mean so many lives would be affected, for the better.
It was a little awkward seeing the court-appointed Domestic Batterers in the semi-separate waiting room- there's a men's counseling group, too.
The building is a little older (older strip mall setting with other offices and organizations, Boy Scouts) with a weird parking lot (one way). There are pamphlets on different subjects in the lobby/waiting room. The sign-in sheet is on the desk. You pay the person at the front desk and get a receipt. After the one-on-one session, you set appointments with your counselor (mostly female).
Around the back of the building (outside) is a donation box. I've been donating faithfully ever since- the group always needs women's clothing and shoes, toiletries (bath wash, sanitary pads/tampons), children's clothing, and diapers. I also regularly donate to Savers Thrift Department Stores (when I go through my closet several times a year), which also helps this organization. A donation means so much. Why not put this unused stuff to good use? And it helps clear the clutter in your house. There are other locations to drop off your donations, like the one at Jones & Sahara.
I am not sure about what else the organization offers- I didn't need shelter, I had family members to help me. I know that there is a hotline- I saw the number in so many doctor offices in previous years. read more
