According to statistics offered by the City of Rockford Police Department, 50% of our violent crime is domestic violence related.
Home is a place that many of us retreat to for comfort, rest, and safety. Everyone deserves to experience home as a respite, yet so many in our community have been robbed of that experience.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At the Family Peace Center, we work tirelessly year-round not only to provide supportive services to survivors and their children, but to provide education to individuals on intimate partner violence.
Unfortunately, what we have learned and we now wish to share with you, is that home is not the only place that can feel unsafe for survivors.
After experiencing abuse, survivors venture out to find individuals, agencies, systems and organizations to help them.
A health care provider may complete the necessary screen for domestic violence during a visit but not be prepared for what to do when a disclosure happens.
A social worker may provide information about domestic violence services available in the community, while implying that same survivor is to blame for providing an unsafe environment for their children.
A courtroom filled with observers may recognize the need for an Order of Protection, while also accusing a protective parent of “coaching” their child into being afraid of an abusive parent.
A friend may sit with a survivor as they share their most recent experience of violence and offer compassion, while also demonstrating skepticism by stating, “I’ve never seen that side of him before.”
These interactions can communicate to a survivor that they are alone, not telling the truth or are to blame for their abuse.Domestic violence often makes local and national news. People absorb this content as if it is entertainment and have opinions. They think about what they would have done, what the victim should have done, and sometimes wonder is this really a big deal or is it simply “a little fight with the wife.”
Without ever interacting with the survivor, the way you talk about (whether in person or online) this issue is important. Because even if a survivor is not listening, young people are looking to us for how to be.
Because of the prevalence of domestic violence, we must understand that survivors exist all around us. They are our co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors.
The Family Peace Center has offered support and safety to nearly 2,500 survivors and their children. We work in partnership with over 30 agencies with a shared aim, focused squarely on increasing survivor safety. We need the community in lock step with us. A shared recognition of our obligation to ensure a safer community for those that come after us.
How can you help? Donate your time, money and talents to agencies that support survivors. Monthly contributions, volunteer hours, board membership and attending fundraising events make a big difference.
Don’t have the time or funds? That is okay. Educate yourself so you are better equipped to support the survivors around you.
Feel like you already have a good grasp on the issue? Great! Share what you know with others. Engage in conversations that challenge people to replace old beliefs that are harmful, with new ones that are helpful.
For every report that is made to the police, there many more incidents that never will be. And frankly, this isn’t a problem that we can simply arrest our way out of.
We must collectively agree that this is not a lesser crime with minimal impact. Domestic violence is everyone’s problem and all of us benefit by caring.
Megan Brechon is client services manager for Rockford’s Family Peace Center.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Domestic violence is everyone’s problem and all of us benefit by caring | Opinion
Reporting by Megan Brechon / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
