Since the Ray Rice incident, many people have had questions about Domestic Violence resources. Many people ask the question: Why doesnt she leave? Victims often think that the only resources DV agencies offer is shelter. Not true! Leaving is only one option--sometimes the best, sometimes not--but DV agencies can help women and men work to find the best and safest options for them. My dear friend, Karla Arroyo-Isbell Executive Director of South Valley Sanctuary offered this information: Domestic violence intervention is complex and due to the stigma, and perceptions of shelter facilities as well as the very few options survivors are presented with, they are hesitant to call the dv agencies which often times are referred to as shelters. South valley sanctuary offers a variety of services--shelter being only one of them. Options for survivors include the community resource center where individuals can walk in or schedule an appt to talk to a case worker. This could be an appt to safety plan for the next episode, could be to learn about the cycle of violence, could be to plan leaving the relationship, could be to join our healthy relationships class, any many other reasons in between. Rapport and trust needs to be build with all survivors and options must be presented so that they can be empowered to make an informed decision without being pressured to access shelter. Svs is working hard to change the framework of community response to dv survivors so that we move from dichotomy of either shelter and/or a protective order, to providing options which may include increasing awarenes of dv dynamics, accessing supportive resources, safety planning to reduce injury, exploring perpetrators treatment resources...and all this while staying in the relationship. Please dont hesitate to give us a call if you ever need us as a service provider. Svs is committed to support service providers in navigating the complexity of dv and to encourage a coordinated community response.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 17:09:27 +0000
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