YWCA offers help for victims of abuse

YWCA of VW County information

With domestic violence affecting such a large percentage of Americans, why don’t people talk about this issue more? Why don’t they discuss relationship health with their friends and family?  Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. As children grow up in a domestic violence household, the violence becomes the norm. Domestic violence is never okay.

To spark change, people have to talk openly and acknowledge how domestic abuse affects their communities, their  families and their lives. They have to be brave. They have to speak up.

There is only one way to end domestic violence — together. October is a chance for a national discussion about an issue that has claimed too many lives and must be addressed. If area residents or someone they know have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, they should call 567.259.9501. The YWCA is here to help!

The YWCA domestic violence and sexual assault services are dedicated to eradicating domestic violence and sexual assault, and assisting all victims of abuse seeking services. No one deserves to be abused! Using a holistic approach, the YWCA staff works with victims to address areas of need: safety, housing, mental health, physical health, etc.

The goal of the YWCA domestic violence and sexual assault services is to empower victims to reclaim their lives and to become self-sufficient, independent individuals, living violence-free lives.

The YWCA’s domestic violence and sexual assault services include:

• 24-hour protective shelter
• 24-hour crisis hotline
• Child advocacy referrals
• Court advocacy referrals
• Complete confidentiality
• Case management
• Support and educational groups
• Mental health and AOD services offered on site
• Referrals to community agencies
• Safety plans
• Economic empowerment, which includes opportunities for furthering education and computer training
• Employment assistance

The YWCA is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and is a United Way agency.