Updated Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Originally posted Thursday, September 29, 2022.

For Victims of Domestic Violence, There is Help and Hope

From left to right: Malia Metelues, Victim Advocate for McKenzie's Hope; Jennifer Rohlf, Director of Empowerment for YWCA Northeast Indiana; Mayor Richard Strick; and Adam Jones, pastor of St. Peter's First Community Church.

HUNTINGTON – For anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, local organizations that provide assistance to survivors want to let them know that there is help and hope.

“On average about one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, but many don't know there are resources that can help them to get out of the situation,” said Jennifer Rohlf, Director of Empowerment for YWCA Northeast Indiana. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to bring awareness to this issue and make sure people know how to get help if they are needing it. To prevent domestic violence, we need to normalize healthy relationships and encourage people to get help if they are experiencing control, abuse or harm from their partner.”

Recognized nationally each October since 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched to raise awareness of domestic violence issues and connect victims with the care, assistance and resources they need. Its primary focuses are supporting survivors, holding abusers accountable and updating legislation to further those goals, according to the National Council Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) website.

To help eliminate domestic violence in Huntington and support the important work of organizations like YWCA Northeast Indiana and the Huntington County Domestic Violence Task Force, the City of Huntington issued a proclamation on Tuesday, October 10. It calls on residents to learn the warning signs of domestic violence and play a role in supporting its victims in recovery.

“Control, isolation, name-calling, put-downs, withholding finances, monitoring your phone and jealousy are all signs of abusive relationships. You can help by passing along our hotline (800) 441-4073 so that they can connect with resources, offering empathy and support, and helping raise awareness about the issue,” Rohlf said. “Many think they don't know anyone who has experienced abuse, but the reality is we all have people in our life who are or have experienced it – they just haven't told you. So the more we can encourage conversations that promote healthy relationships and getting help, the better.”

YWCA Northeast Indiana, the Huntington County Domestic Violence Task Force and their partners work together to remove barriers that prevent victims from seeking help. Employment and financial concerns, housing stability, child custody issues and, in some cases, mental health and addiction can leave victims stuck in abusive relationships.

“This mixture of barriers is why it is so important for survivors to connect with an advocate to help them in making a plan to be able to break away from their abusive relationship,” Rohlf said.

YWCA Northeast Indiana provides services such as financial, child care and housing assistance for domestic violence victims. Women, men, transgender individuals and families of all types can call a 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line to get help. A crisis shelter also is available for individuals or families who need a safe place to stay.

Call (800) 441-4073 to reach the crisis line or if you are in need of safe shelter.

The YWCA also provides:

• Community-based advocates who work one-on-one with individuals who are experiencing domestic violence and need personalized help, including mental health and addiction counseling. Call (260) 424-4908 ext. 113 or email advocatecoords@ywcarew.org to speak with an advocate.
• Free therapy services for domestic violence survivors. Find more information at ywcanein.com/clinical-mental-health-counseling.

These resources are always free and completely confidential. The YWCA of Northeast Indiana serves the Fort Wayne area, including Huntington. To learn more or make a donation, visit ywcanein.org/dvam.