Media
| Domestic abuse happens | |
| Valarie Allen, Creston News Advertiser staff reporter | October 06, 2008 |
| Click here for original story at the Creston News Advertiser | |
Activities bring awareness of escalating problem The month of October is a significant month marking public awareness for many causes. One of those is domestic abuse awareness. Rural Iowa Crisis Center is sponsoring the first scheduled event for awareness, “Take Back the Night,” a march through the Creston business district. The march will begin at the Methodist Church, 400 N. Elm St., and ending at the Union County Courthouse on North Pine Street. “Since 1981, the national coalition against domestic violence proclaimed October as national awareness month,” said Rural Iowa Crisis Center Director Vicky Hodge. “It started out as just a single day, with the intent to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working against violence against women and their children. That day of unity, turned into a week and in 1987 was the first month-long awareness.” From the president of the United States down to local government officials, sign a proclamation marking the awareness. Remember my name This project started as a national campaign of public awareness of domestic violence deaths, said Hodge. The statistics are staggering. It’s estimated that 85 percent of battered women who are murdered, are done so when they leave the relationship. “What’s scary to me is, there is an increasing propensity to commit multiple homicides,” said Hodge. “He’s going to take her out, and he takes the kids out, too, and more often than not, probably himself.” Hodge said these types of cases are not aberrations, the killer didn’t ‘just snap.’ “There is a logical progression of violence,” said Hodge. “It’s the batterers attempt to maintain control over the victim.” Iowa voices A special exhibit, touring through Iowa will be on display Oct. 14, at Southwestern Community College, Room 180, 1501 W. Townline St., the exhibit is visiting nine community colleges across Iowa. The exhibit shares the stories of 31 survivors of domestic violence, including their real names and portraits by photographer and author Kate Iola. “Those stories appeared on Web sites and in papers across Iowa,” said Hodge. “They were seen by more than 600,000 people. This year the project is focusing on the portraits. The exhibit opens at 11 a.m. and at 7 p.m. there will be a short program and refreshments. ” The program will highlight the services available through Rural Iowa Crisis Center for victims of domestic violence and domestic sexual assault said Hodge. “It’s admirable for these women to have their stories and pictures out there,” said Hodge. “It’s scary. For a lot of women there is a potential threat for continued violence. You just don’t do things to make your former batterer upset.” Books on display The public libraries in the counties served by RICC will have books on display along with bookmarks, flyers and purple ribbons with informational cards throughout the month. The counties served by RICC are: Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Ringgold, Union and Taylor. Sunday sermon Hodge said the staff of RICC is sending letters to area churches to ask they set aside one Sunday during the month to talk about domestic violence. “This year, we’re going to send along a copy of a sermon that took first place in a national contest,” said Hodge. “Every year we ask pastors to talk about domestic violence. We know pastors are concerned about domestic violence, but maybe it would be useful to share with them a sermon.” There are a number of resources available for additional information said Hodge. Faith Trust Institute, exclusively dedicated to issues of faith and violence against women, has been a great resource for pastors said Hodge. Cut it Out Another program Hodge said RICC is trying to establish is through the ‘Cut it Out,’ program. “We are contacting the beauty salons within our six-county area asking them to participate in the program,” said Hodge. “It’s a national program. One of the things a batterer does, is target areas that can’t be seen, like the head. Hairdressers often see the signs and may not know what to say or do. We have cards designed for them to slip to someone with information about us and how to get help. Kari Ohenmus, prevention educator for RICC, will be presenting information to students at Hair Tech School of Cosmetology, 402 W. Montgomery St., about what signs to look for and what to do. Hodge also said there will be public service announcements and ads throughout the six-county area to raise awareness of domestic violence. There are other campaigns that will be ongoing throughout the upcoming month. Information is available from Rural Iowa Crisis Center 641-782- 2706. Valarie Allen can be reached at 782-2141, ext. 233 or vallen@crestonnews.com |
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