Work continues to end domestic violence, sexual assault
By Mona Sandefur
Staff writer
mona@clearwave.com
MARION — Crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault against women and children continues to increase, due in part to the economy, but a host of other factors play a role.
The Women's Center, originally located in Carbondale, has expanded its services to satellite offices in Benton and Marion.
Megan Jones, program coordinator for Rape Crisis Services, said there is no profile of a sexual assault abuser.
"An abuser can come from any background, race, age or any level of education," she said. "Most of the time, abusers perpetrate crimes to victims of a similar level of education or similar demographics."
Jones said cases of abuse are reported when the victim knows his or her assailant.
"The most common cases are through an acquaintance, family member, date, friend or neighbor," she said. "Statistics indicate that in 80 percent of cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim.
"The idea that an abuser can be found in a dark alley, waiting for his or her victim is something of a myth," Jones said. "We often see cases on television and hear about it on the streets. When domestic violence or sexual assault occurs it is devastating to victims and their families. We encourage people to think about the people in their lives and to be concerned about their safety in that dark alley or uncomfortable surroundings."
She said there is no hard and fast rule to indicate that an individual would become an abuser.
"For example, just because you were abused as a child does not mean that you will abuse your children or others but you are susceptible," Jones said. "There are characteristics that an abuser looks for in another person, including low self-esteem, and the inability to trust other people as a result of abuse that has happened to them."
Jones said staff of The Women's Center advocate for counseling and healing for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
"We also realize that not all cases are reported," she said. "There are a number of reasons victims don't tell when they have been abused. There is the fear that no one will believe the victim, fear that he or she will be punished for reporting the act, fear that the family member will be taken away in cases where the abuser is a family member.
"Another fact is that some victims are too young to report what has happened to them," Jones said. "Many times parents may suspect that their child has been abused. At that point, our staff can work with the child during play therapy. Sometimes, the child may disclose what has happened to him or her by acting out the scene with dolls or by interacting with the counselors."
Jones said the role of the Women's Center and Rape Crisis Services is to provide understanding, safety, communication and healing if appropriate to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
"Rape Crisis Services covers seven counties," she said. "The Carbondale office serves Jackson, Union and Perry counties. The Marion satellite office serves Franklin, Johnson, Saline and Williamson counties. We have a hotline for the Women's Center by calling 1-800-334-2094. Calls are transferred to trained volunteers or a staff member in Rape Crisis Services depending on the nature of the call.
"We provide 24-hour crisis intervention services and will accompany a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence to the hospital or law enforcement agency of his or her choosing," Jones said. "We serve clients of all ages, as well as male survivors. We also provide services to parents, siblings, roommates or close friends who are seeking service for themselves or significant others. Typically parents of minor children or partners of someone abused by someone other than the partner call us for help."
Jones said victims could call the crisis hotline or go to a nearby hospital.
"The hospital will contact the Women's Center or if a victim contacts a law enforcement agency, the agency will contact us to provide services or advocacy," she said. "The services could be a short conversation with the victim, provide literature or one of our staff could stay with the victim through his or her hospital stay and forensic examination. We are also there to support friends and parents of abused victims."
She said follow-up is conducted in order to provide necessary forms to file with the appropriate agencies and to help victims receive funding compensation.
"Our services are free of charge," Jones said. "Our major source of funds come through federal and state grants. We also have tremendous support from the communities during our fund-raising events, through the United Way and through other funding sources."
Jones said staff members work with schools, individuals and organizations.
"We are always looking for ways to coordinate our efforts with all of the communities," she said. "We always welcome monetary donations to continue our mission. The key component of our philosophy is to see an end to violence against women and children. We also accept in-kind donations of clothing and pantry items. A good way to help The Women's Center is through endowments and memorials. We have received several, which is very wonderful."
A board of directors oversees the facilities, Jones said. "Our board includes volunteers from every walk of life," she said. "We are always looking for volunteers. Contact The Women's Center for an application if you are interested in becoming a volunteer. We need more people from Franklin, Johnson and Saline counties to be involved."
Franklin County's satellite office assists domestic violence victims and is located on the third floor of the Franklin County Courthouse.
