October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program wants people of Lenawee County to know the issue affects many people in the area. The program is part of Family Counseling and Children’s Services of Lenawee County, and offers a shelter for victims of domestic violence that houses up to 38 women and children at a time.“We are the only shelter of this kind in our county,” said Candy Taulton, legal advocate/ case manager supervisor.For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Catherine Cobb has organized several activities to bring awareness to domestic violence as well as the work of the non-profit organization.The Purple Ribbon Campaign offers purple ribbons for sale to show support for victims. Pins can be purchased at area branches of TLC Community Credit Union and First Federal Bank.“Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” is an awareness event held at the First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. The theme for the event is “Partners Beyond the Badge — We are Our Sisters Keeper.”The keynote speaker is City of Adrian Chief of Police Vince Emrick. Linda Martinez, a domestic violence survivor, is the guest speaker.“She’s an advocate. She’s an entrepreneur. She’s right here from our own county,” Taulton said.There is no cost for the event, but donations of child-friendly snacks, pantry items and basic hygiene care items will be collected at the event and donated to the shelter. Catherine Cobb is partnering with the Lenawee County Domestic Violence Task Force for this event.Fundraising and fun is the goal for the Glow 5K race on Friday, Oct. 23. Registration for the walk at Heritage Park in Adrian begins at 5 p.m. with the run kicking off at 7 p.m., and an afterglow party from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.The cost is $40 per person with a $10 discount for groups of four or more people. Early registration begins Friday, and anyone registering early gets a T-shirt.Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program has fundraising activities throughout the year. In addition to money, the center is always happy to accept donations of food, clothing and small household items.“We couldn’t run and provide our services without the support we receive from the community,” said Taulton.Women come in to the shelter to stay temporarily while making arrangements to start a new life free from violence. The average stay is 30 days.“All year, we have been at or over capacity,” Taulton said. “Sometimes it’s not as easy to unwind and may take a little longer for some women to get out on their own.”In addition to residents, caseworkers also work with and do follow-up with non-residents receiving services from Catherine Cobb. There is a full-time staff of four people and a complete staff of 15 people. In addition to the shelter there is a 24-hour hotline and services are also available around the clock.“People often don’t know we don’t just provide women and children with support, but also men,” said Taulton. “Domestic violence is not discriminatory. It affects all walks of life, all nationalities. There is a lot of fear. Many times people come into the shelter with just the items they are wearing.”There are certain signs that can be red flags for abusive behavior in a relationship. If it’s a new relationship, Taulton warns of partners who are adamant they cannot be apart.“Those initial first steps of isolation and control are potential red flags,” Taulton said.In longer lasting relationships, people should pay attention to name calling and ridiculing, which are calculated attacks on self-esteem. Separation from family is another red flag, as is the creation of a bank account opened in only one partner’s name with the other partner having no access.“Watch for promises that there is going to be a better tomorrow and yet things still don’t change,” said Taulton. “I hear victims say all the time, ‘People tried to tell me but I didn’t believe them.’”To those not involved in a bad relationship, the red flags seem obvious, but to victims things are not so clear-cut. “There are good things about the perpetrators for the victims, because they are partners to begin with, they are family,” Taulton said.Even if the shelter is full, the staff at Catherine Cobb will help anyone needing assistance. For those in immediate danger, staff would make space within the center for the family or work with an area church to find the money for a short hotel stay.Catherine Cobb partners regularly with the Domestic Violence Task Force of Lenawee County, Damascus Road, Salvation Army and Associated Charities. “We share donations with Goodwill, also,” said Taulton. “They give us vouchers for ladies to shop for free.”More information about Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program can be found on the Facebook pages for Catherine Cobb and Family Counseling and Children’s Services, or visit www.fccsoflenawee.org.

Tecumseh Herald

 

110 E. Logan St.
P.O. Box 218
Tecumseh, MI 49286
517-423-2174
800-832-6443

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