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By Katie Foley  Life is full of unexpected changes and we often recognize those changes when it happens to those closest to us. What happens if you start noticing negative changes in a loved ones life? What are the signs of these changes?
Maybe you’ve noticed bruises on a friend or maybe they are constantly negative and showing you a significant change in their confidence. Maybe you’ve even noticed a change in their attitude or personality. Their scarf collection is growing. They don’t laugh anymore. They are always checking their phone and letting their significant other know where they are. While you thought they were always happy, you’re now beginning to question if something is wrong. Reality: domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone. Sometimes, though, problems are pushed under the table or even denied. Noticing the signs of an abusive relationship can be the first step to ending it. If you immediately think of someone in your life that relates to the points below then we encourage you to take the first step and reach out. There is available help and no one should ever live in fear. Change in habits When someone becomes obsessive about updating their partner on their location or daily activities this may be a sign that something is wrong. Other changes in daily routine and habits may bring light to something more going on behind closed doors. For example, your sister used to always put on makeup, get manicures, and workout. Now, all she does is sulk around and seems to have lost self-confidence. It is possible those changes are the result of domestic violence. Constantly on edge Do they fear their partner all of the time? Do they try everything in their power to never make their partner angry? Are they always complaining of never doing anything right? If answering “yes,” then it is time to step in and help them realize that they aren’t helpless, but that they are worthy of help. Physical wounds Bruises. Scratches. Black Eyes. Jammed Fingers. Lacerations. Above are “obvious” giveaways of physical abuse. Realize that abusers are smart, so these wounds could possibly be in hidden places. Take notice and start asking questions. They’re not communicating While this may seem superficial, it’s important to start noticing how they are communicating is it via text, phone calls, and social media. If they no longer are on social media or even less active – you may have your first sign. If you also notice that your loved one has a “phone manager” and isn’t texting you as often or maybe isn’t even allowed to talk to certain people, then it might be time to talk. Faking emotions “You’ll never find someone else that will love you.” The lie above is a sign that your loved one is being manipulated to stay in a bad situation. If you are noticing that they are forcing smiles and laughs – then it could be time to take action. The more they are faking and lying, the more they will be manipulated to a point of serious abuse. If you or a loved one are a victim of feeling these emotions – it’s time to take back your life. At Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, we are committed to breaking the cycle while empowering victims and survivors to take back their life. From providing emotional support to safety planning, let us be your advocate. For more information, contact our hotline at: (317) 731-6140.
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By The Beacon of Hope Team  A Global Giving Movement - November 28, 2017 Please consider Beacon of Hope Crisis Center because domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Central Indiana need support from generous donors like you. As the holiday season kicks off please don’t forget to participate in #GivingTuesday.
On November 28th people across the nation will be joining a movement of end-of-year-giving. As you make your choice of where to place your support at the end of the year, get details about our agency on pages 18 and 19 in the Indiana Business Journal 2018 Giving Guide. Please consider Beacon of Hope Crisis Center because domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Central Indiana need support from generous donors like you. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is kicking off #GivingTuesday with a challenge. We are asking YOU to donate a crisis bundle for a victim in need. Crisis bundles serve the immediate needs of victims after trauma. You can learn how to make a crisis bundle by visiting our blog. Get a group together and start making a difference today. If you are interested in helping victims receive crisis bundles each month sign up for an easy-give monthly membership. Starting November 27th, donations can be dropped off at 6920 S. East St, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46227. *Please call (317) 731-6131 before dropping off donations. While you shop on Cyber Monday, please don’t forget to donate a portion of your purchase by choosing Beacon of Hope Crisis Center while shopping with Amazon Smile. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. Learn more by visiting our website. We appreciate support from the community while we strive to provide services and resources to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Thank you! By Sandra K. Ziebold
By Savannah Tipton  Domestic violence is present in all communities regardless of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality. Despite its prevalence we still have a hard time talking about it. We cannot begin addressing the problem if we cannot have a conversation about it. What can you do? It’s simple, you can start by learning more about domestic violence today.
Domestic violence is a systematic pattern of power and control in any intimate relationship. Abuse can be physical, emotional/psychological, verbal, financial, spiritual, or sexual. There may be no physical marks that someone is abused and each situation is unique. Since the effects of domestic violence can be hidden, we need to stand together and speak up against domestic violence. The cycle of abuse helps us to understand the patterns of domestic violence. It starts with tension building, a period that might include verbal abuse as the abuser becomes agitated or critical. That is followed by a violent outburst. After the outburst, the abuser is very apologetic and may ask for forgiveness. The cycle is not set on any designated time frame and can change over the course of a relationship. Understanding the cycle of abuse can help victims along with their families and friends identify abuse. Victim Advocates at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center are here to help. If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault Contact Us today to get help. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1 immediately. Share statistics, resources in your area, stories, and more to help the victims in your life. By Kristin Scrivens  Introducing Jess, a victim advocate on our criminal justice team! Jess works with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Jess earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University at IUPUI in Spanish and recently completed her Master’s degree in Social Science and Development Studies at Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Her thesis for her Master’s program was studying violence against women in migrant communities and studying how non-government organizations provide services to women.
Jess loves being a victim advocate because she loves being able to provide emotional support to victims and helping them navigate the criminal justice court system. She’s passionate about being a steady voice during such a hard time in a victim’s life and being able to help them move forward. Jess’s favorite service that Beacon of Hope offers is emergency financial assistance, when we have the funds available. She loves that it’s a tangible and quick way to make such a huge difference in someone’s life. A fun fact about Jess is that she lived in Morocco for two and a half years serving in the Peace Corp. While she was there she worked in youth development and taught English and aerobics. We love your fun spirit and high energy, Jess! Thanks for all you do! By Sandra K. Ziebold October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
There is a knot of fear that goes along with having experienced being a victim of a frequent, consistent and systematic pattern of domestic violence abuse. Domestic violence is about power and control. Abuse occurs when there is consistent unwanted dominance and control exerted over another. You may be in an intimate partner relationship and thinking to yourself, "What happened, I felt so wonderful and now I feel this horrible ache that won't leave the pit of my stomach. How did I get here and why do I feel so trapped? What can I do better? If I can do things better then he/she will, be okay / be calm / be happy." If you have thoughts like that, then stop for a second and really think about your thought pattern. Can you remember the last time you didn't have that aching knot of fear in your stomach? If you are constantly fearful that your every single breath or action is going to trigger anger and violence in another person exerting control over you, then our advocates can help you. It is domestic violence awareness month and you need to know that you are valued, there is a safe way to get out of your situation and you deserve a life free from the grip of domestic violence. We are here to help. Our crisis line number is (317)731-6140 Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center  A client had reached out to the police due to violation of privacy. The victim was afraid that given this new violation of privacy, that the abuser will continue to go above and beyond to make the victims life difficult. The detective contacted Beacon of Hope Crisis Center for assistance. I was able to connect with the victim where I discussed the Address Confidentiality Program. The victim was in the process of moving and did not want the abuser to know of a new address considering the latest incident.
Although the victim has an active PO in place, the victim felt that taking every possible necessary step for confidentiality was a must. I was able to assist the victim with completing the Address Confidentiality Program Application and submitted the form on the victim’s behalf. Within 24 hours, the application had been approved. By the following day, the victim had sent an email thanking me for assisting the victim with this application and keeping their new address confidential. By Kristin Scriven  Introducing Tracy Vatne, Beacon of Hope’s Pet Victim Advocate and Foster Pet Program Coordinator! Tracy has been with Beacon of Hope for almost two years heading our foster pet program. Tracy’s favorite part of her job is getting to see a pet reunite with their owner. A fun fact about Tracy is that from 2013 to 2016 she fostered 63 dogs and over 80 cats!
A local Indianapolis native, Tracy has spent most of her life advocating on the behalf of animals. Tracy works with people in the community who would be willing to foster animals while their owners are leaving an abusive relationship. In abusive relationships, animals often suffer at the hand of an abuser. Pets are also used to control and manipulate victims of domestic violence. Additionally, Tracy gives presentations around the community to raise awareness about how to prevent animal abuse and how animal abuse is directly linked to family violence. Advocating for animal rights is Tracy’s passion. Working for an organization where she can make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and victims is her dream job! Thanks for your passion, Tracy! We’re so glad to have you on our team! By Savannah Tipton  Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are regularly in situations where they cannot go home or gain access to basic items. To lift this burden, we are constantly preparing crisis bundles to serve those immediate needs.
Creating a crisis bundle can be geared to the specific needs of a victim seeking services or preemptively prepared for victims with a general stock of commonly used items. It is important to think about a victim’s perspective and unique needs when preparing a crisis bundle. Crisis bundles should be prepared with a demographic and geographic location in mind. When making crisis bundles it is helpful to include items that are relevant to the weather or season. For example, when preparing bundles during a season of rain or faced with cold weather adding items such as hats and gloves may be beneficial. When preparing crisis bundles for hot and sunny weather add sunscreen or sunglasses. Everyday items that are taken for granted could easily benefit victims in need. Other considerations when making crisis bundles might include the variance in victims age, ethnicity, gender, if they have children, etc. Crisis Bundles Include:
Items for the crisis bundle are placed in reusable bags that can also contribute to meeting a victim’s needs. Encouraging items could include cards, notebooks, magnets, etc. with sayings such as “You Are Strong” “Think Positive” “Smile” or “Believe in Yourself.” There is no one size fits all way to make a crisis bundle, you may add or take out items to more effectively meet a victim’s needs. On average, a crisis bundle can be made with a small donation of $25. We need your help! You can provide a crisis bundle for a victim each month by signing up for our easy give monthly membership. Easy give memberships provide ongoing funding for essential programs offered by Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. Your monthly donations will go directly towards assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Sign up for an easy give monthly membership today! By Kristin Scriven  We are so excited to introduce our newest fundraiser, Give Abuse the Boot! This gala will take place on Thursday, October 5th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Barn at Bay Horse Inn in Greenwood, Indiana. We'll have live music, dinner, a silent auction of baskets from local businesses and organizations, a wine pull, and an incredible live auction! It’s our pleasure to announce that RTV6 correspondent Lauren Casey will be our emcee and hostess for the evening! Get ready to have a fun time and make a difference in doing so! But what would a party be without some good music? Our band for the evening is Greenwood’s very own “Chicken Bone” from the “Tastes Like Chicken Band”. Their unique acoustic pop and rock style of music is sure to get everyone dancing. To read about our sponsors and see what kind of items will be up for grabs at the silent and live auctions, follow our Facebook event page to stay up to date. You won’t want to miss out on our first ever “Give Abuse the Boot” fundraising gala! With your help, we can work toward a world where everyone can live free from the grip of domestic violence and sexual assault. Seating and sponsorship tables are limited so get your tickets today at http://beaconofhopeindy.org/give-abuse-the-boot-gala.html |
About this blog
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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