Circuit clerk's office, House of Refuge host 'In Her Shoes' event

BENTON, Mo. -- Looking to regain any lost compassion, some Scott County employees who work with domestic violence victims were recently reminded what it's like to walk in their clients' shoes.

"We all get stuck in a rut of routine, and we need to remember those files represent people and lives and complicated situations," said Scott County Circuit Clerk Christy M. Hency. "Sometimes we need that reminder."

Current statistics indicate there's an average seven attempts before a victim leaves the abuser or is killed.

"Whether it is at a shelter, a police station or at the courts, we -- the service providers -- do not know if our encounter with the victim before us is attempt No. 1 or attempt No. 7," Hency said. "As the office is responsible for processing orders of protection, I felt it was important to expose the clerk's staff to the reality of domestic violence in hopes that they would walk away with a greater understanding, laced with refreshed compassion."

Working with the House of Refuge, the Scott County circuit clerk's office hosted last week the domestic violence workshop "In Her Shoes" at the county's Judicial Building.

In addition to circuit clerk office employees, representatives from the Scott County Sheriff's Department and prosecuting attorney's office as well as from the Susanna Wesley Center in East Prairie, Mo., and the Safe House in Sikeston, Mo., attended the workshop for a total of 19 participants.

Attendees "lived" the life of a victim through role play.