domestic violence around you, educating yourself about how to help a friend in need, just in case, and understanding the critical role funding and legislation play in the lives of domestic violence survivors and their children. When survivors heal and abusers are held truly accountable for their actions, entire communities benefi t. Sadly, the current pandemic is increasing the danger for victims. Domestic violence is escalating in its brutality all over the country, and domestic violence homicides are increasing nationwide. Now is the time to pay attention and work for change. Bethany House For 35 years, Bethany House has maintained long-term transitional shelter space for domestic violence survivors and their children. It is one of the many necessary organizations dedicated to intervening in domestic violence in Northwest Ohio. Bethany House serves survivors who are most at risk of homelessness or are escaping the most violent abuse. Survivors stay for an average of 14 months while they heal from the devastation of physical, mental, emotional, fi nancial, and spiritual abuse. Unfortunately, the need is great, so there is always a waiting list. Survivors of domestic violence have experienced, in many cases, a complete loss of control over their lives. Sometimes survivors are not free to choose the clothes they wear or the food they eat, let alone their friends or their place of worship. Abusers isolate, manipulate, and demean their victims intentionally, even strategically, chipping away at self-esteem, personal agency, and fi nancial independence. Physical violence, which most often comes to mind when domestic violence is mentioned, is just one element of a complex scheme abusers use to maintain power and control over their victim. Then there are the worst-case scenarios when abusers kill the people they claim to love. The Northwest Ohio Silent Witness Project, sheltered and maintained by Bethany House, preserves and shares the stories of the victims of homicide committed by partners, ex-partners, and stalkers in Northwest Ohio. More than half of the 115 victims represented in this collection were doing what so many people ask victims to do - they were trying to leave, and many of the victims had protective orders against the men who murdered them. For far too long, the responsibility for breaking the cycle of domestic violence has been placed on the shoulders of the wrong people, victims. But even when victims use available services and play by the rules, abusers can still cause harm and even kill. Breaking the cycle of violence is a community responsibility, and it begins with respecting survivors. Survivors have historically been viewed with pity or contempt, but it is time to reject this perception. The truth is that survivors are strong, and they know better than anyone what they need to heal from the abuse they have experienced. That is why Bethany House advocates work alongside survivors as they heal and build the lives they envision. Still, healing takes time, which is why providing long-term shelter and advocacy to the adults and children at Bethany House is so important. When survivors are ready to leave shelter, Bethany House offers a StepUp program which includes access to reduced-rate apartments, a fi nancial program designed to build equity, and continued safety and support of Bethany House. Supporting organizations like Bethany House is one important step toward breaking the cycle of domestic violence. So is keeping your eyes open to the truth of If you would like to learn more about Bethany House, or are interested in getting involved, please visit https://BethanyHouseToledo. org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow the Facebook page at Facebook.com/BethanyHouseNWO. A brief Silent Witness Video will premiere on the Bethany House Facebook page Tuesday, October 27 at 7pm. Please reserve a few moments in your schedule to pause as a community in remembrance and prayer for the victims, the loved ones left behind, and survivors still trapped in abuse. For victims who fi nd themselves in a scary situation, the YWCA Domestic Violence Hotline is available to provide support and resources, 24/hours/day, at 1-888341-7386. The YWCA is the community’s emergency shelter for domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also a great 24-hour resource with chat capabilities at www.thehotline. org. And, for those who can’t call, our county’s 911 call center can receive text messages. defi ned as the pattern of behaviors by a partner to maintain power and control over another partner, its effects go far beyond those two individuals. We know that children who are exposed to violence at home are at an increased risk for long term physical and mental health problems - as well as an amplifi ed risk of being in violent interactions in their future relationships. The feelings of being “on guard” in your home, coupled with the abuse can contribute to anxiety and depressive symptoms in our youth. Zepf Center’s Safety Net Youth Runaway Shelter has served over a thousand youth since its inception in 2016 – of which many have either experienced abuse by someone in the home or have witnessed some type of domestic violence. As a result of these experiences, Safety Net staff report decreased self-esteem, increased “risky” behaviors, fi ghting or other outward acts of physical aggression in the children they care for. As Northwest Ohio’s only 24/7 shelter for runaway and homeless youth, the staff work to create good support systems and increased positive relationships with adults and peers knowing both of these are paramount to the success of the children they serve. While ensuring physical safety and well-being is a priority of the shelter, staff lay the groundwork for healing to begin. Zepf Center’s Safety Net is designed to increase young people’s safety, social and emotional well-being, self-suffi ciency, and help them build permanent connections with families, communities, schools, and other positive social networks. The Importance of Safe Shelter for Children Impacted by Domestic Violence Carl Jung, famous for his contribution to analytical psychology stated, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” While domestic violence or domestic abuse is frequently Safety Net is located at 2005 Ashland Avenue and serves as the only 24-hour emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth in Northwest Ohio. Youth and community members can call or text Safety Net 24 hours a day at: 419206-0926 or visit www.zepfcenter. org. Melissa Medlen, LISW-S, RN Director of Youth Programming, Zepf Center Page 11
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