24-Hour Helpline
(920) 729-5727
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
P.O. Box 99
Neenah, WI 54957-0099
Phone: (920) 235-5998
Fax: (920) 729-0690
News Release: Rural Victims Face Unique Barriers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Menasha, WI, October 29, 2007 -- Victims of domestic violence living in rural communities have unique issues and face a host of special barriers in trying to escape an abusive relationship and achieve self-sufficiency.
Anonymity is difficult in rural communities since many individuals know each other or are related. Victims in rural areas are geographically secluded, have limited access to reliable or public transportation and generally have a poor to no work history due to isolation by their partner. Many women have poor to no insurance coverage that can adequately address the type of mental health counseling they may need. And, leaving a domestic violence situation in a rural community may create new obstacles for the victim. For example, the land or animals may depend on their care and presence at the site. The abuser may present a positive public image in the community and have relatively normal relationships with others. Victims sometimes fear reprisals from the community if an accusation of abuse is made. Familiarity can also impact the decisions made by individuals working in the criminal justice system. Traditional values and attitudes are often present in rural communities and gender roles tend to be well defined. This can add pressure on the victim to remain with the abuser. Limited understanding regarding the dynamics of domestic violence and the options that are available makes transition out of the abusive relationship difficult. Community awareness about domestic violence may be non-existent. There is a negative stigma associated with being a "victim" causing individuals to feel ashamed or embarrassment should disclosure to the community happen. Victims in rural communities also have fewer services, resources and programs due to high program costs and difficulty in finding support, as well as the struggle in reaching and maintaining service users.
Perhaps one of the greatest barriers is accessing support services without compromising confidentiality. Victims may be seen by family and friends entering support service facilities, risking not only their confidentiality, but ultimately their safety and that of their children. Needless to say, these women have few options available to them without highly endangering themselves or their children.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services operates a satellite program in Green Lake County to address the unique needs of rural victims and their children. The goal of the Rural Outreach Program is to mitigate these barriers and to help victims achieve safety and self-sufficiency. The agency's services include individual advocacy and support groups, a 24-Hour Helpline, safety planning, systems and legal advocacy, and community awareness and education. In 2007, Christine Ann implemented a number of new services including:
- Nurturing Program - in cooperation with the Department of Human Services focuses on preventing child abuse through strengthening the family bond by creating empathy within the family circle.
- Project Independence - funded through the Department of Justice, a collaborative effort with ADVOCAP to remove victim barriers to safety and self-sufficiency such as transportation, housing, employment, education, etc.
- Boundaries Group - New support group offered to victims that uses alternative methods to build healthy self image and esteem.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services' mission is to prevent domestic abuse and violence and to provide intervention and safety to all individuals affected by domestic violence. In addition to emergency shelter, the agency provides comprehensive programs and services in Winnebago and Green Lake Counties.
Contact:
Julie Fevola
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
(920) 729-5727
www.christineann.net
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