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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. By: Savannah Tipton  We wanted to extend our gratitude to The Creek Rooted Kids for packing crisis bundles for families seeking services at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. Crisis bundles include necessities and kid’s bundles are packed with toys, activities and other uplifting items for children. We believe it is important to provide our clients and their children with support and the message that we care.
At least one third of American children have witnessed violence between their parents. Many have witnessed multiple incidents. Exposing children to violence at young ages can stunt developmental growth, trigger symptoms of PTSD, and have many other severe mental and physical side effects. While no one deserves to experience abuse, one in four households are affected by domestic violence. If you notice red flags (link to red flags) that someone may be experiencing abuse, speak up. You can be an ally by listening and believing anyone who discloses domestic violence or sexual assault. Survivors face obstacles when seeking help, leaving and rebuilding their lives but you can make a difference. Listen, believe and refer victims to local service providers. Donate today to help free families from the grip of domestic violence. ALL donations made in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, will be DOUBLED by a generous donor. Learn more here (link to DVAM page). 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 an emergency, please call 911. By: Alaina Sermersheim  The Health & Fitness Fair was held Tuesday, August 27th during Harrison Hill Elementary School's 2019 Back to School Night. Over 30 community organizations gathered in the cafeteria to connect with students, parents, staff, and teachers. I connected with staff and families about services at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, volunteering and talked with families about our Foster Pet Program. Many individuals mentioned how unique the Foster Pet Program is and talk of the program spread quickly. Throughout the night, other families found us to request more information. We are always looking for loving families to join our program, to learn more click here.
Candy and coloring pages were a nice surprise for the kids stopping by our table. This kept them entertained as I spoke with their parents and teachers about healthy relationships, family violence and free services for victims. I also answered questions and provided resources to those looking to educate themselves further. This event was a great opportunity to gain visibility while connecting with families that may need our services. Thank you again to Harrison Hill Elementary School for inviting us to participate in this fantastic event! By: Cheyenne Taylor  Being an advocate means that you not only have to walk the walk, but talk the talk. We are actively involved within the community to help raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault and the services we provide to those victims, at no cost. On Tuesday, August 6th, several of our advocates and Criminal Justice interns went to different communities to participate in National Night Out and show support for our law enforcement partners as well as connect with any victims and survivors present at those events.
Team members from Beacon of Hope Crisis Center attended National Night Out in Greenwood, Lawrence, Southport, Beech Grove, and Speedway. During these events, we spread the word about our agency, our services, and our connection with law enforcement partners. We passed out a lot of flyers to people interested in our Foster Pet Program, which you can learn more about here. We were also able to connect with several advocates and supporters who are helping to drive our mission and let victims know that they do not have to be alone. We believe them! We understand that a lot of interactions with officers or with us are during times of great distress, but this event gave us the opportunity to connect with the community in a fun way and establish a bond. The children in these communities had a blast from bouncy houses to ice cream. We were even chosen as a spot on the Bingo cards in Southport, which allowed us to meet a lot of friendly faces. This event really highlighted how working side by side with law enforcement in the community can make an impact on someone’s life. In fact, we know Echo, our therapy dog’s life was changed. He was rumored to be making kissy faces at the K9s in training. Overall, National Night Out was a great success! We are so grateful to be able to work closely with our law enforcement partners and the community. We work hand in hand to make sure that the people in our community are safe and able to live healthy and happy lives. 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 an emergency, please call 911. By: Sandra K. Ziebold Barry Foster, Chairs our Board of Directors, has a very busy Veterinary Clinic and spreads kindness and concern for others. Check out what Dr. Foster and his daughter Evelyn recently did. “They are heroes to us and our family...... - Nicole Griffin- RTV6 https://buff.ly/2YLBLfA  By: Sandra K. Ziebold
Representing our nonprofit was Beacon of Hope Crisis Center board member and 100+ Women Who Care member, Jackie Bowman Ponder (pictured here). Thank you 100+Women Who Care Johnson County, for your support. Notable Facts Beacon of Hope Crisis Center served 131 new victims of domestic violence and sexual assault crimes during the month of July 2019. 45 of those victims were from Johnson County. 100+ Women Who Care Johnson County is a giving circle initiative created to support nonprofit organizations who help make our county a better place to live, work and play. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center has a Johnson County satellite office location in partnership with Franciscan Health. 100+ Women Who Care Johnson County is comprised of women who want to make a difference in Johnson County by making a financial commitment to support worthy nonprofits who serve Johnson County. They invite all like-minded women to join them on this mission. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is working in partnership with Bargersville Veterinary Clinic located in Johnson County to expand our foster pet program. 100+ Women Who Care Johnson County grant recipients may not receive a benefit grant from the 100+ Women group again for two years. Eligibility renews every two years so, when an organization receives a grant, they cannot be nominated again until the two years has passed. They maintain a complete list for Members reference.
 By: Cheyenne Taylor  Millions of children live in households where domestic violence is present. These children are at risk of developing mental and physical impacts to their health from witnessing or experiencing abuse. Additionally, these children have a higher risk of having future issues when it comes to relationships. This includes the possibility of repeating the cycle of violence in their own lives.
Domestic Violence and Children
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship and would like to speak to an advocate about your options, please call our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. By: Cheyenne Taylor  Why is it that when we make our mental to-do list each day, we never add taking care of ourselves to that list? Thinking about yourself is something that is often painted in a negative light with terms like self-absorbed and self-centered coming to mind, but what about self-care? We tend to hold ourselves to higher standards than others. We make ourselves the exception to the golden rule, “treat others how you would like to be treated.” When we should really treat ourselves how we treat others. Think of how much happier you would be if you put as much energy into yourself as you put into your job or your friends and family.
Taking care of yourself should not be a second thought or something that is planned last. In the long run, you benefit so much more when you take care of yourself. You will feel and look better, and your attitude will improve. As a result, your social and professional life will also improve because you will have added something to combat the daily stressors you come into contact with. Self-care does not have to be a hassle, but it should become a part of your daily routine like taking a shower or brushing your teeth.
By: Savannah Tipton  Self-compassion may sound like it should be intuitive or even easy to practice. Unfortunately, it can be the opposite. We get busy, overwhelmed, and generally do not take time to check-in with ourselves. What is self-compassion? Self-compassion is the practice of taking a moment to think of our life from a different perspective. To focus on positive inner thoughts and recognize our strengths. It “entails being
warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism (1).” This practice can be beneficial to anyone but even more important for survivors of trauma. A survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault may develop negative thoughts about themselves. These negative thoughts can include feeling worthless, shameful, embarrassed, or perhaps believing they could have stopped or prevented the assault(s). In some cases, victims also suffer from verbal and emotional abuse that breaks down their self-confidence. A traumatic event of any kind can turn someone’s life upside down. In the aftermath, we have to build ourselves back up. A survivor should practice compassionate self-talk, such as learning to say goodbye to, “I’m not enough,” and “I deserve this.” You do not deserve abuse of any kind. No one deserves to experience domestic violence or sexual assault and you are more than enough. Start challenging these thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Are these thoughts true or are you saying it because that is a default? Ask yourself what you would say to a friend or family member if you were to see them suffer and offer yourself the same compassion. Self-compassion takes time and practice. It does not happen overnight. Healing takes time, but it will come. When we blame ourselves, we assume we have control over what happens to us. When in reality, we cannot control other’s thoughts or actions. What we do control is how we live our lives, what we do when faced with trauma, and where we want to go. Coping with trauma can be difficult to handle on your own; do not hesitate to seek professional help. To speak with an advocate and learn more about services at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center please call our crisis line (317) 731-6140. (1) Kristin Neff, Ph.D. <https://self-compassion.org/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion-2/> By: Savannah Tipton  We live in an age of technology where nearly every person over the age of 15 has a phone. Not only do we have phones, but we are on them constantly. We enjoy playing games, exploring social media, messaging friends and family, and so on. Many people relate to the daily behavior of checking their phone before going to bed at night and again when they wake up in the morning. Younger children also have access to utilize phones, iPads, tablets, etc. While technology can be a tool for learning and connections, it can also be abused. This constant connection to the outside world can create huge risks to someone’s safety and personal well-being.
Perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual assault often use technology to monitor someone’s online activity, harass, intimidate, threaten, or otherwise control a victim. Victim advocates are available to complete technology safety plans for survivors suffering from digital abuse or harassment. Digital abuse can be used to manipulate both domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Types of abuse perpetrated through technology:
If you or someone you know is experiencing digital abuse, please contact our confidential crisis line. Advocates are a confidential source of support available to help survivors navigate these kind of situations and can connect you to community resources. Confidential Crisis Line: 317-731-6140 |
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