As the news broke today that
the husband of the woman found dead in Hadley last week has been arrested, I’ve
had many people calling me with questions or just talking about how tragic and unbelievable
this is. So here are some of the things we’ve been talking about today:
·
Domestic violence
is far more prevalent than most of us think. In fact 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men
ae a victimized during the course of their lives. In Saratoga County, it’s the #2 violent crime (second only to drunk or drugged driving), the primary cause of
family homelessness, and the primary cause of homicide. People are
really surprised when I give these statistics, often stating that they’ve never
known anyone who has experienced domestic violence. Chances are good you do…
you just may know it. Often we’re looking for obvious physical indicators, like
black eyes or bruises. Abuse tactics like emotional or psychological control, social
isolation, financial control, and sexual abuse aren’t as easily identified. In fact, victims themselves may minimize the
abuse, “Well, I’ve never been hit so this isn’t domestic violence”, or “I read a
news story about what one woman experienced. What I’m experiencing isn’t that bad.”
Some highly abusive relationships never have any physical abuse; don’t let this
be the standard that keeps you from seeking help.
·
“I’m not in a crisis
and I’m not thinking of leaving the relationship, so there’s no need to seek
support.” Wellspring’s advocates and our 24/7 hotline (518-584-8188) can help
in a crisis, but we’re also there simply when you need to talk. Many clients
choose to remain in the relationship; they just want to explore their options, and
plan for how to be safe in their relationship.
·
“He’s such a good
dad (or she’s such a good mom); the children are better off if we’re together.”
Roughly 50% of abusers target their partner, but do not abuse the children
directly. Frequently in these situations the parent who is being victimized reasons
that the children aren’t affected by the abuse. Often that view changes when
the children approach their teens and either they act abusively in their
relationships…or are the targets of abuse by a dating partner. While they may
not have been directly abused, the children’s understanding of a healthy
relationship is shaped by what they see in the home.
·
“I can provide a
better life for my kids if I stay.” Sometimes
that parent worries that (s)he couldn’t provide for the basic needs, rent,
food, and healthcare. Supporting
a family on one income is a challenge. Wellspring’s advocates can help with
petitions for temporary support… and our NewView Housing Program provides a rent subsidy
and in-home support services for up to 24 months so that victims can leave abuse
to safe homes.
·
“I’m still not
sure if I should call.” Ask yourself the following questions.
Does Your Partner:
·
Make you feel afraid much of the time?
·
Act excessively jealous and possessive?
·
Control where you go or what you do?
·
Keep you from seeing your friends and/or family?
·
Threaten to commit suicide if you leave?
·
Threaten to take your children away?
·
Limit your access to money or things like the phone or
car?
If this sounds like you or someone you
know, call us. We can help.
Office: 518-583-0280
24 hour hotline 518-584-8188
While most of us an only aspire to be as impactful as Lyn, here's a couple of easy ways we can all support women and girls. Soroptimist International of Saratoga County has been supporting Wellspring's mission since the founding of the agency. The Club's signature service project is a collaborative initiative with Wellspring, a financial literacy program, Project Hope and Power, that has benefited more than 600 women since 2005. Soroptimist provides financial support for Project Hope and Power, plus more than $45,000 to other programs locally and globally that benefit women and girls. They've got 2 great fundraisers coming up; a benefit book fair at Northshire Bookstore and their Secret Garden
Tour. So buy that book you've been thinking about and catch up on your summer reading or tour some wonderful local gardens... and help women and girls at the same time.
