So we know the facts and we know that a victim of Domestic Violence can look like a neighbor,
co-worker, or the face in the mirror. It’s messy to step in and get involved. It requires vulnerability, educating ourselves and a willingness to get a little sticky. So, what can we do and what are some resources to have handy?
Agencies in Northwest Arkansas and around the state that are helping:
- Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter – I used to work in the building with these ladies and their families. What this organization does to provide safety, shelter and peace of mind for these ladies is unexplainable.
- Peace at Home Family Shelter – serving NWA since 1977 and the “first shelter in Arkansas to provide shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence”.
- Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence – they have a new app “iHOPE” providing tools for safety for domestic abuse victims and survivors.
- The Junior League of Northwest Arkansas has a strong commitment to Domestic Violence in Northwest Arkansas and has some great statistics on their website.
- A list of agencies and domestic violence shelters across Arkansas
What can I do?:
- Educate yourself – hover over the tab at the top for a full list of things to read through
- Turn your personal story into a spark for change – get involved and volunteer where you can when you can.
- Safety Plan – a great list of things to take when someone is removing themselves from a relationship or situation.
- Make donations based on specific needs that the Northwest Arkansas Shelter has at any given time. They do not always need the same things.
- Some of the agencies mentioned above have volunteer opportunities and thrift stores
that support their work. Donate your old items to the thrift store to
help continue the needed services they provide in NWA. - Be a volunteer at these agencies and shelters for specific needs to train their clients – financial planning, meal planning, child care, grief counseling, resume writing, interview training, or another specific skill set you have or could bring.
- Practice healthy relationships.
- Contact your local, state and national legislators and voice your concern or support about pending legislation.
Whatever you do, pay attention. Don’t keep your head in the ground that no one in your life has ever experienced Domestic Violence. Statistics say otherwise. Be willing to listen when someone starts telling you their story. Whether it’s their past or their present, keep the things you have learned in mind. Knowledge is power and with knowledge comes a built in responsibility to do something about the things you know.
Open your eyes and keep alert to the world around you.
This post is part of the #NWArkCares
series by the Northwest Arkansas Bloggers group. To view other posts,
visit the Northwest Arkansas Bloggers Pinterest Board or follow
#NWArkCares through social media.
