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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. Emergency Hotel Stay Assistance  "I received a crisis call from a local shelter advocate late one evening. The shelter advocate let me know that they had a victim of domestic violence that recently fled their abuser and had been staying on the streets with their children. The shelter advocate let me know that the victim had called all local shelters and all shelters in the area were at capacity, leaving the victim with no other safe option. I immediately asked to connect with the victim and began our process of requesting an emergency hotel stay for the victim and their children while they wait for shelter placement to become available.
The victim fled their abuser days before with the few belongings they could get out of the home. They and their children had stayed in their car for the past few days, parking in various places due to the abuser stalking them. The victim had nowhere to go and was too fearful to even sleep in their car. After answering all of my questions and telling me their story, the victim began crying. They told me that they were thankful for me even if I was not able to help their family find safe housing that evening because they felt heard. They told me how, in the days since they left, they felt like they were not being treated decently by those they had reached out to for help. I let the victim know I would do everything I could to find them and their children a safe place to stay this evening. When I called the victim less than an hour later to let them know that we booked a hotel room only minutes from where they were, the victim began sobbing. They thanked me profusely and told me I was their "angel." I was very glad to have given the victim and their children a safe place to stay." Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center To learn more about our Impact on the community, register and join us during our Virtual Summit on October 26th. 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. By: Savannah Archer  We are grateful to have the opportunity to attend the 2022 ICADV Fall Conference focused on centering equity in our work. We look forward to taking what we’ve learned and implementing it in the work we do. #DVAM #DVAM2022 #Every1KnowsSome1
By: Cheyenne Taylor Purple Thursday is a cardinal day in Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Today we wear purple to help spread awareness about domestic violence and the free services available to survivors. By wearing purple, we stand in solidarity with victims of domestic violence. We are encouraging everyone to participate and help raise awareness! Post a photo wearing purple on October 21st and add #PurpleThurday to spread awareness and to show your support. Together we can show survivors they are not alone.
By: Savannah Tipton  History gives us reference to the work advocates are doing in 2019. There was a time, not too long ago, where victims of domestic violence had almost nothing available for support. Before the 1970s due to there being no shelters, self-identified advocates would let fleeing victims into their homes (1). Those brave advocates were the foundation for shelters nationwide. There was little research and bias clouded the minds of many professionals. In fact, many medical professionals didn’t recognize the health risks associated with domestic violence. According to Time Magazine, an article in the issue “Sept. 25, 1964 — highlights a mind-boggling study that concludes couples stay in abusive relationships because their fighting can “balance out each other’s mental quirks (2).”” Society’s view of domestic violence directly impacted a victim’s ability to find external support and break free from an abusive relationship.
Today, domestic violence agencies are open across the United States offering programs that empower survivors to build a life free from the grip of domestic violence. Medical professionals now recognize the danger of domestic violence and are learning more about risks associated with strangulation. The National Domestic Violence Hotline explains ““Strangulation” is defined as “It’s possible to experience strangulation and show no symptoms at first but die weeks later because of brain damage due to lack of oxygen and other internal injuries. For this reason, and for a safe way to document the abuse, we strongly recommend you consider seeing a doctor if your partner has strangled or choked you.” These referrals to see a doctor have saved countless lives. There is more work to do but we are well on our way to offering the support ALL survivors deserve when escaping domestic violence. Domestic Violence Milestones (3)
The work victim advocates do at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is directly impacting the lives of families across Central Indiana including victims fleeing from out of state. If you or someone you know needs help dealing with domestic violence and/or sexual assault, call our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. If you are in an emergency, please call 911. Photography by Montana Watson The first annual Give Abuse The Boot gala raised $33K dollars for Beacon of Hope Crisis Center held October 5th during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Thursday evening event included a dinner and auction at Barn at Bay Horse Inn for 250 participants. The top raffle item, raising $2,100, was an amazing golf package consisting of a Solar Sources Golf Hat and Golf Polo, Golf Balls, Golf Towel, Ping 400 Custom Driver donated by Bunker Run Golf Course, and a $400 Value Course Play at Hillcrest Country Club Golf Course with Golf Carts included. Beacon of Hope’s Board Chair, Jackie Bowman Ponder, entertained the crowd and auctioned off a one-week Pensacola Florida Condo getaway donated by Mike McKinnon, David Yurman earrings donated by Reis Nichols-Greenwood and a Pacers package with winners choice of game night! The Give Abuse The Boot Gala hosted more than 250 guests and featured emcee Lauren Casey of WRTV6. Guests were entertained by “Tastes Like Chicken” Dance Band’s “Chicken Bone” performing acoustic pop rock in the saloon. The highlight of the evening was, Amy McInerny, a survivor who spoke about her featured art sculpture which she created as a part of her healing journey receiving services as a client at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. “We are truly blessed. The generosity of our guests is so appreciated. The support of all of our sponsors and the dedication of all our board members and volunteers is what made this first initial event such a success,” said Sandra Ziebold – CEO, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. “We feel fortunate to be able to have these funds to better serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. The funds will assist us with our focused advocacy services and growth in our Teen Talk Program for our Central Indiana youth; including increased collaborative work with college campus partners.” The Events Committee for Give Abuse The Boot wants to again give recognition to our sponsors which included, K-LOVE Radio, IndyVet Emergency and Specialty Hospital, Greg Hubler Chevrolet, Myers for Mayor, Indiana Originals, Bowman Family Holdings, Eagle Creek Animal Clinic, Republic National Distributing Company, Vino Villa, The Food Guys Catering Co., Spotlight Strategies, Qtego Auction Services and many generous corporate and individual table sponsors. 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 Savannah Tipton  Raising domestic violence awareness can be as unique as each survivor’s story. In a music video, Denise Latray performs an original song that shares her own story of domestic violence. She has reached thousands with her video and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Denise uses music to tell her own story as a coping mechanism. In her own words, “I've used a music video to somewhat paint a picture for my viewers.” If she could share one thing with survivors it would be as follows: “to stay encouraged, remain strong and continue to be a voice for the victims experiencing abuse.” We are stronger when we stand together. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center stands by all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Providing assistance to everyone that may be affected by domestic violence and sexual assault is one way we have committed to make a change in our community. Thank you for sharing your story Denise. Disclaimer: Beacon of Hope Crisis Center assumes no responsibility, liability and no role in the information gathering practices or privacy policies of video content to which this video is linked. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center does not endorse or otherwise guarantee any materials linked to this video or video ad’s associated with this video. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is not endorsing or promoting this video or any contents within it. We are simply sharing a survivor’s message about their personal story.
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 By Sandra K. Ziebold  Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? We're just two weeks away from our fundraising gala! Give Abuse The Boot is on October 5th. Tickets are selling like crazy and we are already expecting over 250 people. The great news is that the venue is expandable and so if you still need a ticket just click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to make your seat or table purchase. ... Check this out! ... Two really great items recently received that will be available for auction bid are:
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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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