Staff Reports
As part of a national movement to prevent and end domestic violence, Haven House is participating in Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During October, several events are planned to recognize the National movement.
Locally, Haven House will host a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, 5 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Thursday at McLane Park. The community is asked to wear purple on this day to acknowledge the movement which was started in October of 1981, by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Survivors are also encouraged to come out and take a lap to raise awareness for the cause.
Haven House also is co-sponsoring the 16th annual Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Conference, held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oct. 30, at First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. The conference is free, but pre-registration is required. Please call the Community Resource Council at 573-776-7830 for more information.
"Domestic violence happens in all communities--and in ours. The good news is that Missouri women, children and men victimized by domestic violence have more access to help and protection than they have ever had before," said Mary Ann Allen, Haven House executive director, the local Domestic Violence Shelter.
Allen, who is celebrating her 31st year in the movement is also a board member for the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
"By working together, we can offer hope and safety to those in need and ensure that every abused person in Missouri receives the life-saving services and resources provided by dedicated advocates, throughout our state, in every community," Allen said.
According to the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), more than 35,000 survivors of domestic violence were helped last year by programs through times of crisis, emergency and danger. Last year, Haven House served nearly 1,700 women and children who experienced of the violence in their homes.
October is a time for all Americans to recognize and join in the life-changing work that supports and empowers survivors of domestic abuse.
"Together we can mitigate the costs of these crimes on our society by supporting local services, promoting laws, policies and programs that improve services, hold offenders accountable, and increase prevention education," Allen said.
During the past three decades, Missouri has made significant advancements in securing rights, protections and services for victims of domestic violence. Lawmakers and domestic violence advocates have worked together to strengthen legal protections for victims, enhance penalties for offenders, establish Orders of Protection with criminal penalties for violations, obtain funding for domestic violence services and shelters, ensure confidentiality for the safety and dignity of victims, and strengthen child welfare laws to protect abused parents and their children.
Allen said, "This month, in particular, we have a special opportunity to make sure that every member of our community--survivors and their families, advocates, law enforcement officers, the courts, and all Missourians--have the tools, resources, information and support to prevent and end domestic violence."
To join in this month's activities and help make a difference for survivors, contact Melody Ducote, volunteer coordinator, at havenhousemelody@gmail.com or 573-686-4873.