April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and fostering support for survivors. In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on The Sexual Assault Advocacy Program at The Domestic Violence Shelter—a beacon of hope and healing for survivors of sexual violence.
About the Sexual Assault Advocacy Program The Sexual Assault Advocacy Program (SA Program) goes above and beyond to support survivors on their journey of healing and recovery. Led by a dedicated team of trained professionals and volunteers, this program focuses on the needs of survivors. The program director explains, “Our program is committed to empowering survivors within the community through comprehensive support services. We offer crisis intervention and immediate assistance during critical moments, ensuring they have the resources they need to heal and move forward. By providing early intervention, we can help to mitigate long-term negative consequences and promote a healthy recovery process.” Every survivor’s story is unique, so the SA Program ensures that there are services available for everyone. One of the cornerstone services of the program is our 24/7 Hospital Advocacy. Whenever a survivor reports to a local hospital for a SANE (also known as a Forensic) Exam, a trained advocate is available to support them. This ensures that survivors don’t have to go through this experience alone. In addition to emotional support, the advocate can also assist the survivor with safety planning, resources and crisis intervention. Even after a survivor leaves the hospital, the SA Program provides ongoing support through the 24/7 Crisis Line (419-774-5840) and follow up support. In addition to hospital advocacy, the crisis line and follow up support, the SA Program also provides community support and education. Advocates facilitate support groups for agencies such as the Volunteers of America and New Hope. They also provide free workbooks to assist survivors as they work through their healing journey. Advocates will also attend community events in order to get the word out about our services and share information about sexual assault, consent, healthy relationships and more. The SA Program even has a dedicated Campus Advocate at The Ohio State University at Mansfield and North Central State College to provide services tailored for college students! You Are Not Alone! Survivors of sexual assault often share that they feel alone in their experience. It can be difficult for survivors to speak about their experiences, and they might feel like no one understands what they have been through. Our culture often minimizes the experiences of survivors and may even tell survivors that they are to blame for the violence they experienced. Our advocates work to ensure that survivors know that abuse is never a survivor’s fault! In the words of one of our amazing volunteers, “You are not alone. There is no right way to handle what has happened to you.” No one should ever have to go through their healing journey alone. Advocates are always available to talk on our 24/7 Crisis Line. Survivors can call 419-774-5840 at any time to be connected with a trained advocate for safety planning, resources or just someone to talk to. Advocates are also available to accompany survivors throughout their experience with the criminal justice system. Advocates can attend court hearings, law enforcement interviews or other meetings that may be intimidating for survivors to have to face on their own. Empowerment through Advocacy Advocates work to empower survivors to take control over their lives, make decisions for themselves and explore all the options available to them. The SA Program can work with a survivor to address each concern and choice they are faced with. Survivors are faced with so many decisions! Some of these decisions include whether or not to go to the hospital, report to the police, get a protection order, tell others about the assault and more. The goal of advocacy isn’t to tell a survivor what to do, instead it’s to help survivors make informed decisions for themselves. Advocates help to empower survivors through safety planning. Safety planning is a collaboration between an advocate and survivor to discover ways to increase safety after experiencing violence. One advocate explained the ways she has assisted survivors with safety planning: “We often assist survivors with feeling safe again. We have assisted with protection orders, getting phone numbers changed, moving out of the county, moving out of the state, hooking up security cameras, installing new locks on doors and windows, etc. Whatever it takes to help ease their fear, even if just a little bit.” Reaching out for Support Advocates recognize that reaching out for support can be a very difficult decision to make. But we want all survivors to know that we are here for you, no matter where you may be on your healing journey! One advocate explained, “Survivors can experience significant benefits by collaborating with a trained advocate. These advantages encompass empowerment and support, access to knowledge and resources, enhanced safety planning and long-term healing.” To connect with an advocate, call The Shelter’s 24/7 Crisis Line at 419-774-5840. Advocates also provide in-person support for survivors who report to local emergency rooms for a Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) or forensic exam.
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In a significant display of community support, Park National Bank has extended support to The Domestic Violence Shelter. This contribution has enabled renowned local artist Allison Pence to bring a burst of color and inspiration to the shelter through a series of vibrant murals.
Beyond funding Pence's creative endeavors, the compassionate staff at Park National Bank have taken a hands-on approach by inscribing affirmations on the walls throughout the shelter, extending from the shared living areas to each of the 14 individual bedroom doors. Park National Bank’s generosity has not only facilitated the creation of uplifting art throughout the shelter but also spurred a much-needed renovation of the children's playroom. In an innovative move, a chalkboard was installed below the chair rail to foster the children's artistic inclinations. Additionally, Pence seamlessly integrated existing crayon and pen marks into her new artwork, enhancing the room's original whimsical aesthetic. "I was deeply moved when Colleen approached me about this project, as it presents an opportunity to positively impact an entire community," Allison Pence commented. "My hope is that the vibrant colors and the uplifting theme dispersed throughout the hallways will make the shelter more inviting and welcoming." Chris Hiner, the Regional President of Park National Bank, expressed his enthusiasm about the project's transformative potential. "Our support for these murals goes beyond mere beautification; we're instilling a sense of hope and resilience in those to remind them better days are ahead," Hiner remarked. Echoing Hiner's sentiments, Shannon Hatfield, Director of Shelter Services, emphasized the healing and inspiring power of art. "This project enables us to create an environment that not only ensures safety but also radiates positivity for our residents," Hatfield stated. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the shelter hotline at 419-774-5840. For individuals interested in volunteer opportunities, they are invited to call the hotline and ask for Sarah. The Domestic Violence Shelter is proud to introduce new board members and honor retiring several long-term members who are retiring from the board.
Executive Director Colleen Rice said, "We are thrilled to welcome our new board members who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives. Their commitment to service and passion for our cause will undoubtedly help us continue our mission and expand our reach." Joining the board are Tiffany R. Mitchell, Coordinator, Belonging and Inclusion, at The Ohio State University at Mansfield; Miles Parsons, Executive Director of Wayfinders Ohio; Becky Harlan, VP of Operations at Sutton Bank; and Alicia Bailey, Director of HR & Finance at Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Mitchell expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I am both proud and honored to serve on the Board of Directors for The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc. It's an exciting time as the agency experiences growth and new opportunities. I look forward to leveraging my past experiences and my leadership abilities to provide advice as the shelter continues to look at new areas of growth." The sentiment was echoed by Parsons, who noted, "Having a soft-spot in my heart for all things non-profit and seeing all the wonderful ideas Colleen and her team have for the Shelter, I'm excited for the opportunity and hope to be a small part of her successes moving forward." Meanwhile, Harlan said, "I consider it a privilege to serve as a board member of The Domestic Violence Shelter, which serves a critical need for abuse survivors and their children, and our entire community. I am proud to represent Sutton Bank, who has been a supporter of the Shelter and the valuable and vital work they do." Bailey added, "I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve on the Domestic Violence Shelter Board. I look forward to being part of a team dedicated to creating a safe haven for survivors, fostering hope, and working towards a future free from violence." Board President Jean LaBarge acknowledged the outgoing board members, saying, "We are grateful for the dedication and service of our retiring board members. Their contributions have been invaluable to our mission and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors." Retiring from the board after faithfully serving multiple terms are John Hower, Owner and Agent at Rinehart-Walters-Danner & Associate Insurance Agency, Inc.; Beth Malaska, Associate Relations Director at Park National Bank; and Rebecca Hergatt, Secretary / Treasurer at Hergatt Machine. The Domestic Violence Shelter extends its heartfelt thanks to the retiring members for their years of service and warmly welcomes the incoming board members as it continues to strive towards a future free from violence. About The Domestic Violence Shelter The Domestic Violence Shelter has been a beacon of support in Richland County since 1978, aiding survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. The shelter offers a safe haven, comprehensive support services, and resources to empower survivors to rebuild their lives, free from violence. For immediate assistance, our 24/7 hotline at 419-774-5840 is staffed by trained advocates ready to help. Are you / do you know a high schooler in Richland County, Ohio? High school students in the area can win a $250 prize for creating art in the categories of Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Collage, Digital Art, and Poetry.
The Domestic Violence Shelter of Richland County partnered with Ohio State University Mansfield is hosting “Expressions of the Heart: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Art & Poetry Juried Contest”. The event will take place at Bromfield Library on Ohio State University Mansfield Campus (1660 University Drive Mansfield, Ohio 44907) on February 27th, 2024, beginning at 7:30pm. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and we are asking students to create art and poetry sharing their perspectives, experiences, visions, and hopes for a world free from dating violence. After the judges' evaluation, winners in each of the six categories will receive $250 gift cards, and all students participating will receive a certificate of achievement and have their work showcased during the exhibition. Students can register to participate at https://forms.office.com/r/yvZjRJPRZG Submissions will be accepted starting February 1, 2024, and ending February 20, 2024. More information on Teen Dating Violence and “Expressions of the Heart: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Art & Poetry Juried Contest”, including the submission form, can be found at https://www.thedvshelter.com/tdvam.html . A CONVERSATION WITH JILL AND SHANNON
In the world of podcasts, there are those that entertain, those that inform, and then there are those that do something even more powerful - they inspire change. Diana Donovan's latest podcast episode does just that, as she invites two extraordinary guests from the Domestic Violence Shelter of Richland County, Jill Donnewirth and Shannon Hatfield.
Jill and Shannon are on the frontlines of a battle that is often misunderstood, overlooked, yet very real - the fight against domestic and sexual abuse. Their work at the shelter goes beyond providing a safe haven for survivors. They strive to educate, advocate, and bring about a shift in societal attitudes towards these grave issues. The Domestic Violence Shelter is excited to announce the upcoming launch of “Expressions Against Violence.” Expressions Against Violence is an initiative aimed at creating space for teens to address dating violence through their own passion and creativity. The initiative will take place in February 2024, which is nationally recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. "Our goal is to provide a platform for young voices to be heard, spark thoughtful conversations, and inspire change," said Colleen Rice, Executive Director at The Domestic Violence Shelter. "Art and literature have always been powerful tools for social commentary and change. We believe our youth have unique perspectives and insights that can help us all understand these issues better." In this blog, we will explore some commonly used phrases that we should avoid when trying to support survivors of domestic violence. By understanding what not to say, we can create a safe and supportive environment for those who need it most.
Today, I want to share with you a story of transformation and hope. It's my story. The story of how I walked into the Richland County Domestic Violence Shelter with nothing more than the clothes on my back, and walked out with the strength and resources to start anew.
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