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By: Deni O'Brien  Domestic violence itself is a threat to the safety of a victim, but some aggravating circumstances increase their risk of being greatly harmed or murdered. It's important to recognize these warning signs and educate victims on the threat this poses to them and the importance of fleeing. A couple of main indicators of a high lethality risk in abusive relationships are strangulation incidents and weapons in the home.
When a victim of domestic violence calls our crisis line for help, there are typically several things they are trying to solve at once. Often, they call about resources for shelter, long-term housing, employment, childcare, financial support, or filing for a protection order. Because a victim's health is often the last thing on their mind when fleeing and trying to tackle so many other things, we, as Victim Advocates, must take the time to address this with victims and assess for any health needs. When discussing the different types of abuse a victim has experienced, we listen carefully for any disclosure of strangulation or head injuries. Any history of strangulation puts a victim at higher risk of homicide at the hands of their abuser. Of women who experience intimate partner violence, 68% will experience near-fatal strangulation (Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention). The chance of homicide increases by 750% for victims who have experienced strangulation, compared to victims who have never been strangled (Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention). Strangulation means the obstruction of airflow and blood vessels in the neck, meaning loss of consciousness can happen within seconds, and death can occur in minutes. When a victim survives an incident of strangulation, they may experience damage to their throat tissue, memory loss, vision issues, psychosis, brain damage, and even death weeks after the incident due to respiratory complications or blood clots. Typically, victims and their loved ones are unaware of just how seriously strangulation should be taken and that their lives are at risk. Assessing if a victim has experienced strangulation from their abuser and educating them on the impacts can be a matter of life or death. A second thing Victim Advocates are on high alert for is if there are any weapons in the home. As Victim Advocates, we are not just asking if the abuser has threatened the victim with weapons. We want to know if the abuser even owns or has access to firearms. The presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by 500%. More than half of women killed by gun violence are killed by family members or intimate partners (National Domestic Violence Hotline). Even after a victim has successfully fled abuse, people willing to commit homicide against their victims often will not be stopped by a protection order. Once we hear any mention of a weapon, safety planning is of utmost importance to protecting the lives of victims and their loved ones. A victim is not able to address something they are unaware of. The more knowledge they have, the better they can understand what this means for their health and safety. If you or somebody you know is experiencing domestic violence, we highly encourage you to reach out to our crisis line and connect with a Victim Advocate. We are here to educate victims, assist with their needs, and change the course of their lives. We want to see every victim we encounter become safe, healthy, and self-sufficient. By: Cheyenne Loper  If you have ever taken a psychology or sociology class, you may be familiar with the term “ACES.” Even if you are unaware of its meaning, it is something that can affect you or those you love. ACE stands for “Adverse Childhood Experience.” This is a concept that was a result of a study conducted in 1995-1997 by Kaiser Permanente. The study found that traumatic or adverse childhood experiences can result in health complications later in life, such as engaging in risky behavior, heart disease, or even early death. They are more likely to start smoking, drinking, or socializing with unhealthy people. Due to the seriousness of the effects of traumatic childhood experiences, a questionnaire was created to determine a child or adult’s ACE score. The score would indicate a person’s risk for future health complications. The questionnaire screens for things like abuse in the home, household challenges, or neglect before eighteen years of age. If you are a parent experiencing domestic violence, the impacts on your children may be long-lasting. The current impacts they may already be experiencing are PTSD, difficulty in school, or being more mature than other children their age (often by 7-10 years). In the future, they are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, commit violent crimes, or become a victim of domestic violence in their future relationships.
Domestic violence affects everyone in the household. A victim may want to believe that despite everything, their partner is a good parent. The evidence shows us otherwise. A child who sees a parent abused will experience adverse effects. If you or someone you know is being abused, please reach out to us today. Our advocates can assist with keeping victims and their children safe by creating safety plans, filing protection orders, or providing resources to help them become self-sufficient. If you or someone you know experienced abuse or neglect as a child and are still trying to heal, we can offer help connecting to counseling, support groups, or other mental health resources. To speak with a trained Victim Advocate, call our confidential crisis line at (317) 731-6140. In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html By: Carol Whiteman, Vice-Chair BOHCC Board of Directors  Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention is for All Ages The month of June brings awareness to the vitally critical issue of elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th. We should take great concern in the care and treatment of our parents, grandparents, and other loved ones as they age through the final chapters of their lives.
There comes a point where the people that took care of us when we were young experience a role reversal and we take care of them at the end of their life span. I have personally lived through this with my own mother. I was not fortunate enough to be able to medically care for her in my home, I had to rely on the expertise and kindness of professionals in a skilled facility. Relying on others is the case for many of us that have had to witness the decline and loss of our parents. Nothing had prepared me for relying and trusting on the kindness of others for her care. I consider myself and my siblings very blessed that our mom was in great hands in the skilled nursing setting that she was in. Not everyone is blessed with an exceptional story though. There are countless examples of elders being abused in their own homes, and in facilities where they are placed. The elderly are taken advantage of too often. Scam artists and family members target the elderly for fraudulent requests for money and credit card information. Only 1 in 44 cases of financial abuse is reported, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). Sometimes we hear of caregivers taking advantage of and being physically or sexually abusive to the elderly. 90% of abusers are family members or trusted others (NAPSA). There are even abuse situations that involve the elderly that are called into our crisis call line. We all have to do our share to make sure these things do not happen. If it does occur, report it immediately and seek the help of a victim advocate if a loved one is impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. We have to take action to protect and care for the elderly. If we do not take action, who will? By: Cheyenne Taylor and Savannah Archer  Trauma-informed care describes an approach in health care and social sectors that reviews a person's life experiences to provide the most effective outcomes. At Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, we understand that each victim is different and unique and has varying preferences for how they would like to be supported. We recognize that we will not hear every detail of a victim’s background and that every person we encounter has their own story and history of trauma. We let victims lead and never force them to do anything. Victim advocates show up to help victims learn about abuse, identify options, and make personalized plans that meet their needs. We do our part to give them the tools to empower them to make the best decisions for themselves. Victim advocates also do their part to engage in continued training and education to help victims in whatever they face. For example, victimization from an intimate partner increases a victim’s risk for depression, PTSD, substance use, and suicidal ideation (National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health). The effects of domestic violence and sexual assault can be more complicated by factors including mental health, addiction, ability, race, immigration status, cultural beliefs, and more. Keeping these things in mind encourages us to check in with victims physically and mentally. This is also why we’ve enhanced our adaptability to serve all victims. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center has translated materials to raise awareness, interpreters are readily available, and our website has integrated Recite Me assistive technology to enable our web visitors to customize their digital experience to suit their needs.
The impacts of COVID-19 have also put additional stress on victims and their families. Victims are struggling to find housing, employment, and healthcare. These are all essential to maintaining independence and alleviating mental health crises. We are grateful to offer victims free domestic violence and sexual assault counseling. However, some victims need mental health resources with treatment for different conditions, medication, and an approach with a healthcare team. Victim advocates have also strengthened healthcare referral options, including helping victims obtain insurance, connect with a primary care doctor, access emergency healthcare, and, when necessary, connect to specialists for head, neck, and strangulation injuries. We help victims find affordable housing and new and better employment, learn about credit, and work toward their financial goals. To do those things, mental and physical health come first. Many victims are used to ignoring or pushing their own needs aside. Through the intake and follow-up process, we encourage victims to care for themselves, as it is an essential part of their healing journey. We could not make progress for those in need without building rapport, listening, and recognizing there is always more to learn. We often see that when a victim contacts us for help, it is not the first time they experienced victimization. Children who witness violence have a higher chance of experiencing abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves. Additionally, people who have experienced abuse previously in relationships have a higher risk of revictimization (National Library of Medicine). Asking about their history of violence can help us identify solutions, which might help them process current and past trauma. No matter how long it has been since the abuse occurred, victims deserve access to confidential support, free services, and help navigating the next steps without judgment. There are no timeline criteria for victims seeking our services. Whenever they are ready, we are there to listen and believe them. By: Cheyenne Taylor and Sandra K. Ziebold  When discussing crime and prevention in domestic violence, we must discuss escalation. Escalation describes when abuse intensifies, either suddenly or gradually. It can also include perpetrating another form of abuse. Victims might stay with their abusers because they believe they can "handle" the abuse. They think things will improve and be how they used to be or blame themselves. When abuse escalates, victims might start realizing they do not have control and feel trapped in the relationship. Escalation also occurs when victims are considering leaving or have attempted to end the relationship. Reports show that 75% of all serious injuries in abusive relationships happen when the victim ends the relationship (National Domestic Violence Hotline). Identifying abuse is happening is the first step to getting help, but finding the courage to leave with limited self-confidence can be extremely challenging. We encourage victims to connect with supportive services to plan their exit, discuss the abuse to build their network, speak with professionals, and take necessary belongings when fleeing. Abuse thrives behind closed doors. Perpetrators of domestic violence rely on the silence of their victims to keep them trapped in the cycle of violence. As allies, we can all be there to listen and believe victims who come forward to report, seek help, or talk about their experiences.  Our efforts here at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center are heavily focused on those most at risk of violent domestic violence victimization. In partnership with law enforcement, we are helping to reduce violence and the chance of felony assaults and domestic homicides by working to intervene early before domestic violence escalates. Providing victims with intervention and prevention services helps to reduce crime in our community. It can take approximately seven attempts before a victim permanently leaves an abusive partner. Many factors are at play, and the risk of death is highest when fleeing. The earlier we can intervene and provide mitigation options for all the barriers facing these victims before the violence escalates, the better for us all. The harm to pets, children, and primary victims is exponential, and with each passing day and traumatic incident, the damage compounds. It's more than the horrific long-term trauma, physical life-altering harm inflicted on many and the risk of death; it is also the shaping of the minds and behaviors of the silent witnesses to these crimes. Many children are at significant risk because they witness this model of unhealthy relationship behavior, and sadly, many then become victims or abusers. We must do all that we can to help break the cycle. By intervening early, we can help the primary and secondary victims by giving them the chance for a new, safe life free from the grip of domestic violence. When we can intervene early and get victims safe before domestic violence escalates, we are helping to reduce violence and the chance of felony assaults and domestic homicides. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center served 1,430 new victims of crime in 2022. While serving those new victims, we provided 35,580 case management services and 12,022 follow-ups to existing survivors seeking services. To better serve those in need in our community, we continue to enhance our services, intake process, and accessibility. Out of the 1,430 new victims that requested assistance, two hundred and three disclosed that they were homeless, thirty-four that they were in a same-sex relationship, one hundred and twenty-seven had a disability, sixty-eight had limited English, twenty-eight were undocumented, six were deaf, six were veterans, and forty-eight were pregnant. Six hundred and eight out of the one-thousand four-hundred and thirty cases had children living in the home, and two-hundred and three of the one-thousand four-hundred and thirty had DCS involvement where the child/children were the victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault or witnessed the violence.  Domestic violence is not just physical. It can be emotional, verbal, financial, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and social. Often, in the cycle of abuse, as abusive situations escalate, things do become physical. The prevalence of head trauma and events of strangulation are unfortunately high in this population. It makes screening for brain injury in the intake process when working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence crucial. Too frequently, this is not identified or not identified timely and prolongs the suffering of those who have sustained this trauma. As mentioned earlier, we continue to improve our intake process. This is very exciting because we are asking the right questions, and we need to ask them to intervene in a timely manner. This means that our enhanced intake process is identifying those who have sustained head and neck trauma and strangulation victimization faster. When a victim meets the criteria for critical medical imaging and potential brain injury assessment, we educate them about the medical emergency and refer them for critical medical services. This is a life-saving measure, and we are so proud of this innovative approach! In addition to our intervention and prevention services giving victims access to safety and services and helping to reduce the escalation of crime by abusers, it also can lead to reduced runs by law enforcement to 911 domestic calls. Every time an officer responds to a domestic, the risk of harm to the officers increases with each repeat call because violence escalates. Additionally, men who strangle women are the most dangerous men on the planet. Data shows that cop killers and mass murderers almost always have a history of strangling victims. According to Casey Gwinn, President and Co-Founder of Alliance for Hope International, “Domestic violence stranglers, usually after being trauma-exposed children, are the why of mass murders, and guns are the how." We must intervene as early as possible; we must continue to try to intervene as many times as needed. We must offer prevention services and provide access to everyone; that is critical to mitigate barriers. In 2022, our agency served 301 new victims who reported strangulation victimization in one year. We continue to see a high monthly average of those we serve reporting strangulation victimization. Our intervention and prevention services unequivocally are vital to crime reduction, and a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach is how we best serve those in need.  One of the main ways we intervene and prevent further violence is by educating victims on escalation, dangers of strangulation, safety planning, and much more. The more knowledge a victim has in their pocket, the better they can anticipate their abuser's actions, what that means for their safety, and how to respond accordingly. Victims unaware of the dangers often experience multiple strangulation events and think they are OK. They might experience behavior changes, headaches, vision issues, and other symptoms due to the trauma to their head and neck. Victims often turn away the option of seeking immediate medical care due to a lack of education and knowledge about the risks they are facing. We are here to help victims learn, access help, and change the course of their lives. In many cases, we prevent felony assaults and domestic homicides.  Make a Financial Contribution to Help Victims of Crime By: Cheyenne Taylor and Savannah Archer  Victims of domestic violence endure a high percentage of stalking and harassment victimization during and after a relationship ends. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center saw a 47% increase in victims who experienced stalking and harassment from 2020 to 2022. Specifically, technology-facilitated abuse has been on the rise. Victims have reported abusers tracking their phone activity and location through apps, tracking their physical location with the use of Tile Trackers and Apple Air Tags, improper use of other GPS devices, monitoring inside their homes with hidden cameras, misuse of doorbell cameras for surveillance, and other devices manipulated to perpetrate abuse. Our agency can now assist with checking a victim's vehicle for tracking devices; if found, that information can be reported and added to a protective order request for the court's consideration. We are also seeing victims report that abusers are using different apps to send messages when phone numbers or emails are blocked. Stalkers use apps such as social media platforms, banking, school sites, and other sites that don't always have traditional means of blocking content. Victim advocates complete training to help victims create technology and social media safety plans. There is no time to waste when it comes to securing accounts.  Technology abuse is prevalent in our increasingly digital society. When abusers cannot access victims in person, they often use technology to monitor, harass, and stalk the victims. This gives abusers more access to perpetrate harm without disrupting their own lives and responsibilities. In one study, the National Network to End Domestic Violence reported that 71% of abusers monitor victims’ device activities, and 54% download stalkerware onto their partners’ devices. It is debilitating for a victim's mental health and affects their ability to utilize technology how the average person does: to take a break from their stressors. When the victim spends significant time at home, like following a medical procedure, working remotely, or during a global pandemic, abuse can become more pervasive. Reports show that the pandemic increased the rate and severity of technology abuse experienced. The pandemic also impacted abusers’ free time due to the loss of employment and working from home, which allowed them to modify or explore technology in new ways to harm victims. Technology abuse has been on the rise, and as technology develops and changes, so will the methods that abusers use to cause digital harm. Commonly, technology abuse can look like tracking devices, harassing messages, demands for intimate pictures or photos, and publishing private information about the victim. Spoofing is another example of technological abuse where the abuser disguises their messages or phone number to impersonate someone or to get around blocked contact settings. We are focused on enhancing prevention and safety planning for all victims at risk of technology-facilitated abuse. Senate Bill 161 passed, and Indiana now has a new law, unlawful surveillance. This bill adds a prohibition against using a tracking device to the list of conditions a court may impose when issuing a protection order. It also increases the penalty for stalking to a Level 5 felony if the offense is committed using a tracking device. A person who knowingly or intentionally places a tracking device on an individual or the individual's property without the individual's knowledge or consent commits unlawful surveillance, a Class A misdemeanor, unless certain exceptions apply, and increases the penalty to a Level 6 felony if the person is the subject of a protective order or has certain prior convictions. This change in the legislature establishes sentence enhancement if a person uses a tracking device to commit or facilitate the commission of a crime. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center will continue to advocate for victims, adapt to the changing times, and request improvements in the legislature to hold abusers accountable.
By: Cheyenne Taylor  With the end of 2022 quickly approaching and 2023 on the horizon, we are asking for the assistance of our community to help our agency end this year on a high note. We have been very busy this year with meeting the increasing needs and requests from survivors in our community. In fact, in the first nine months of 2022, we served over 1,000 clients, filed 208 protective orders, received nearly 2,000 crisis calls, and prepared over 1,500 safety plans for victims. Our agency continues to see an uptick in client requests for services. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to amplify the risks and cause financial issues for victims that they struggle to overcome. Our agency has continued to address those needs and provide an abundance of services to help relieve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault of their burdens. In the first nine months of 2022, we utilized interpreter services for 371 crisis calls, had 52 clients accept referrals for specialized medical care out of the 224 who reported strangulation victimization. Additionally, we provided nearly 750 counseling sessions and shelter referrals to 1,408 domestic violence victims, many of whom were homeless and seeking safe housing. Overall, we provided new and existing clients with 3,693 services, including education on victim rights and the criminal justice system. All of this has been possible due to the diligent efforts of our agency staff, victim advocates, and the contributions from our devoted donors. By donating at the end of the year, you are helping us to continue to meet the growing needs of our clients and allowing us to prepare for these colder months, which bring a slew of unique issues. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, consider giving back to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center so we can continue to meet the needs of those vulnerable in our community. Your help is needed more than ever, and this is the perfect time to act and give back to the survivors struggling to provide for their families or keep roofs over their heads. With even as little as $20, you can improve a survivor's circumstances and ensure they get a hot meal or gas in their car to make it to work. Your donation saves lives; utilize that power to make a difference. Speak with a victim advocate by calling our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. You can also reach us through our social media sites or contact us page. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
Protective Order Filing  "I’ve been assisting a victim of domestic violence that has experienced psychological abuse, verbal abuse, and stalking. They have been overwhelmed and struggling to do their daily tasks. Their primary concern was working on safety and self-sufficiency. It was important to them that they were able to move past this as soon as possible. The victim wanted a protective order because their abuser was not leaving them alone and seemed to be getting more unstable as the incidents continued. I was able to schedule the protective order appointment soon after originally connecting with the victim. They were so thankful we could get them in quickly. During the appointment, I was able to explain each step of the petition and answer all the questions the victim had regarding the process. The victim was very thankful for the assistance with filing the protective order. They felt more confident about what to expect after I explained the next steps for the protective order process. The victim also told me they finally felt less alone. They really have not talked to many people about their experiences, so they felt better having an agency that believed them. I will continue working with this victim throughout the process to support them and offer additional resources."
Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault, call our confidential hotline at (317) 731-6140. Victim advocates are trained to provide free help, referrals, and resources for those in need. There is hope for survivors. In the case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Criminal Justice Advocacy  "I connected with a victim of domestic violence after receiving a police report. The victim had been shot by their abuser and needed assistance with establishing safety and coping with the trauma they experienced. Their abuser has used weapons as a scare tactic throughout their relationship, and the violence has escalated tremendously.
Once connected with the victim, I introduced myself and explained the services provided at BOHCC as well as their rights as a victim. We discussed how they could stay updated on the criminal case. I also gathered additional information about the situation so I could have a complete understanding to better assist the victim. As we were talking, the victim became emotional and started to cry. I immediately stopped asking questions and focused on what the victim needed in that moment. I actively listened to their concerns and how they were feeling. They were frustrated by everything and felt pressured by others. The victim shared with me that they felt as if their feelings were not valid. They were being told how they should feel about the situation and this was causing them to be confused about their own thoughts. I quickly validated their feelings and expressed that they are the only one who went through this experience, so they are the only one who can know what to think about it. I discussed counseling and ensured they had the information for BOHCC’s counselor. The victim started to calm down and felt relieved to hear that their concerns and thoughts are valid. They hadn't been able to be open with someone about the situation, and they were grateful to have someone to talk to about everything. The victim thanked me for listening to them and validating their feelings. They appreciated having someone to talk to without feeling judged. The victim has felt a lot of pressure from various sources and needed to share their thoughts without judgment. I was happy to be a support for the victim and listen actively to their concerns. I will continue to work with the victim as they progress towards safety and self-sufficiency. It feels rewarding to be an outlet that victims can vent to and to be able to provide a comfortable space for them to share their thoughts." Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center If you or a loved one needs supportive services for domestic violence or sexual assault, call our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. In the case of an emergency, contact 9-1-1 immediately. If you would like to learn more about the work we are doing, register and join us during our Virtual Summit on October 26th. #DVAM We Serve Everyone  "I recently assisted a victim of domestic violence with filing a Protection Order against their former intimate partner. The victim had been facing ongoing and escalating harassment from their abuser since they had been granted full legal and physical custody of their shared child. Their abuser would contact them multiple times a day claiming to want to see their child, but when the victim would take their shared child to visitations with the abuser, the abuser would spend the visitation yelling at the victim and has even physically attacked the victim. The victim was fearful of their abuser and stated that they dreaded every visitation with their abuser because they knew their abuser was going to verbally harass them the entire time.
The victim had reported incidents of abuse to law enforcement but never felt comfortable cooperating with further investigations after the reports because they felt guilty and shameful about the abuse. The victim also never felt that they were truly believed by law enforcement because of their gender identity and the fact that they are physically larger than their abuser. The victim stated that during physically violent incidents, they would just try to minimize the harm done to them and get as far away from their abuser as possible as they never wanted to cause harm to their abuser because that was not how they were raised. Even once the victim’s protection order had been granted, and the judge told them that their abuser served a credible threat to their safety, they still felt shameful for having to file. I was able to let the victim know that there are many victims and survivors of domestic violence that identify as their gender and provided them with statistics backing this information up. Together, we discussed various resources geared towards victims of the same gender identity as the victim. The victim thanked me for always offering them a non-judgmental ear to listen and never making them feel bad for reporting these incidents." Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center To learn more about how Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is making a positive impact in the community, register and join us during our Virtual Summit on October 26th. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, call our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140 to speak with a Victim Advocate. In the case of an emergency, contact 9-1-1 immediately. |
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This blog is about our domestic and sexual violence crisis center, Beacon of Hope. We hope you find it full of helpful information, motivation, creativity, serious facts and positivity. We hope that it will help you know what is happening in our center, in our community and with our events. We hope you follow our blog in support of our organization and our mission. Archives
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