Domestic violence can be prevented
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
DANVILLE – Melissa Echerd wants you to consider two facts. First, three out of four boys who witness domestic violence will become abusers as adults – unless the cycle is broken. Second, girls who witness domestic abuse are 11 times more likely to experience abuse as an adult – unless the cycle is broken.
Echerd is prevention and education officer at Sheltering Wings, a domestic abuse shelter in Danville, Ind. If “children learn what they live,” as the famous Dorothy Law Nolte poem goes, how can the cycle ever be broken?
This challenge is the reason why Echerd and Sheltering Wings are focused on prevention for this year’s National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in October.
“Domestic violence is a public health issue that can largely be prevented by the community in which it occurs,” Echerd said. “By being keenly aware of the systemic issues that are contributing factors to domestic abuse, we can work to minimize them. We can also learn as a community how to help young people recognize healthy relationships and build the personal resiliency they need to chart their own future.”
Echerd sees plenty of children come through the shelter with their abused parents. While other staff work with children who are residents, Echerd trains community and educational groups on the 40 Developmental Assets Framework established by the Search Institute, researched-based positive qualities that help young people develop into successful, contributing adults.
The Sheltering Wings team offers training workshops and resources aimed at prevention: helping teens, parents, youth workers, teachers and church leaders recognize abuse, knowing how to create healthy relationships, learning to leave bad relationships, introducing the 40 Developmental Assets Framework into schools and community groups, and more. A Teen Council and an all-male Men IN Action group specifically target underserved communities by equipping mentors and role models.
“We don’t have to stand by and simply try to deal with the aftermath of domestic violence,” Echerd said. “We can actively take steps to eliminate it.”
Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities at Sheltering Wings:
- Oct. 1: Men IN Action Breakfast, 7:30-9 am, Washington Township Park Pavilion.
Special guest Antron Brown, NHRA Top Fuel Dragster world champion. - Oct. 6: Luminary Launch at Gary Eakin Community Park in Danville
- Oct. 11: #PurpleInThePews. Raise awareness by wearing purple to church and in the community and sharing #PurpleInThePews and tagging @ShelteringWings on social media.
- Oct. 22: #PurpleThursday. Raise awareness by wearing purple and sharing #PurpleInThePews and tagging @ShelteringWings on social media.
- Oct. 22: Dine Out Against Domestic Violence.
For more information, visit shelteringwings.org/october or call the 24-hour helpline at (317) 745-1496.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sep. 29, 2020
CONTACT
Kevin Carr, Communications and Church Relations Officer
(317) 386-5050 | email
Since 2002, Sheltering Wings has helped nearly 20,000 domestic abuse survivors take control of their lives. We offer emergency housing, life skills training, children’s services and community-based prevention and education in a welcoming, Christ-centered environment. Beginning in 2020, we can now house male victims as well as women and children. Start building a stable, independent life today. You deserve it.
