Jeff Humphrey, Media Content Coordinator, 509.625.6308
Friday, December 1, 2017 at 2:37 p.m.
There’s no doubt winter’s holidays can be stressful for all of us but unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of cooking, shopping and family visits also triggers an increase in domestic violence.
That’s why Spokane police officers and domestic violence advocates wanted a warmer welcome for victims looking for help at the YWCA’s Family Justice Center.
“We are here today to set up some Christmas trees to help families who come here to receive services, some with small children,” officer John O’Brien explained.
The lighted trees took shape on the Y’s second story terrace where victims can see the firs and spruces on their way to services like free counseling.
“Some of those people are going through some hard times right now, in the holiday season, and we’d like to do our part to bring them back to some normalcy in their life,” said O’Brien.
The YWCA’s Family Justice Center is designed to give victims a safe place to find options for escaping abusive relationships.
“So show up here at the YWCA, meet with a domestic violence advocate and they can help you with emergency housing, emergency clothing and help you with the paper work that might be a little overwhelming,” offered O’Brien.
That paperwork includes completing no contact orders that can help protect victims from additional incidents of abuse.
One out of every four women will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. Experts warn without intervention; intimate partner abuse almost always continues to get worse.
“We would encourage anybody who is going through domestic violence, whether it’s physical assault, verbal or emotional abuse, to come here and use the services they provide. We want to see you have a safe and healthy life and these people are here to help you with that,” O’Brien pledged.
