Overall, looking at domestic violence and how it widely affects each aspect of a victim’s life and their social environment, it is important to look at the many programs created to help these victims. Often time’s victims of domestic violence are restricted from holding any kind of money or being in charge of their own bank accounts. This being said, they are not financially able to take care of themselves if they decided to leave their partner. Programs that are designed to help victims of domestic violence transition from a controlled relationship to an independent one are created for this very purpose.
One program that has been very beneficial in advocating for domestic violence victims is the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Susan B. Carbon is the director of this program and according to the U.S. Department of Justice website, their mission is to “ provide federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 1994 Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in recognition of the severity of crimes associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.” This program offers grants to help fund for others programs that are geared to assist victims of domestic violence. Different support hotlines are present for anyone who wants to anonymously call and talk to a supporter. The victims that benefit from these programs are men, women and children. This program has impacted many victims of domestic violence and has helped them transition from living in a world a fear, to taking control of their situation and living free from bondage.
Another well-known program that has been prominent in helping victims of domestic violence is WEAVE. WEAVE has been prominent in the Sacramento, California area. Information found on the WEAVE’s website states that this program fosters to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Similar to the program at the U.S Department of Justice, there is a 24 hour support and information hotline for immediate service and intervention. There is also a safe house which is an emergency shelter for women who have left a domestic violence relationship. Since men are also victims of domestic violence, they are placed in a different facility than the women are, but a shelter is also present for them as well. WEAVE’s children’s counseling program offers counseling for 4 ½ to 17 years old who has witnessed domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) is a joint project with the Elk Grove Police Department which offers support and advocacy through the criminal process and all other things that will help assist the victim through the traumatic times.
There are many different resources that are available to victims of domestic violence as long as they are aware of these services. Frequently the victims are made to believe that no one cares about them and they have nowhere else to go. Believing this, they stay with their batterers and endure the pain. But, if they are educated about the many resources that are available for them, leaving may be a little bit easier. Although this process is never easy, it is the first step of healing and starting a new life.
Great blog post, I think it is important that women know about these helpful programs. It's true that some of these women are told that no one cares about them and they themselves begin to think that as well. I am glad to know that there are programs to help the women and children who suffer the tragedies from domestic violence.
ReplyDeleteI have someone in my family that went to WEAVE for help. I am glad that woman have resources such as WEAVE, because many woman need the support that they offer which is great.
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