AREA CRISIS SHELTERS OFFER VICTIM SUPPORT

Area crisis workers are hoping to educate the public and arm victims with the knowledge and the courage they need to step away from domestic violence this month.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Safe House for Women and the Perry County Women's Crisis Center are sponsoring informational activities throughout Cape Girardeau, Perryville and Scott counties to educate the public about their role in ending domestic violence.

"It really moves me to think there are people suffering and they don't realize there are services available," said Debra Hamilton, Safe House shelter manager in Cape Girardeau. "We understand that it's a very personal decision when a woman decides to leave a domestic violence situation. What we're trying to do is let people know there are resources available to them so that they can make an informed decision."

Hamilton said the national awareness month is observed not only to inform victims of their options, but also to educate others on how to support victims. Quite often, victims learn about the Safe House from concerned co-workers and employers, she said, so it's important to teach these people what resources are available and how to help the victims use the resources.

Lori Schumer, assistant director of the Perry County Women's Crisis Center, said her organization often makes presentations to businesses and civic organizations. "I believe the more awareness you get the more people understand about domestic violence and the more people are willing to help," she said. "It's important to get them to know what domestic violence is and to teach them how to support the victim."

The two shelters are hosting a variety of awareness events throughout the month. Both are asking area churches to observe Prayer for Victims Day Oct. 19 by including a moment of prayer for victims during church services. Purple lapel ribbons to be worn throughout the month also are being handed out by volunteers.

The two centers also are asking residents to leave their porch lights on from dusk to dawn in support of domestic violence awareness. Perry County Women's Crisis Center is holding "Shed Light on Domestic Violence Day" Oct. 20. The Safe House will sponsor its "Lights for Domestic Violence Day" Oct. 21.

In addition, the Safe House is distributing purple ribbons to businesses wanting to show their awareness and the Perry County center will host a community awareness fair on Oct. 16 at the Perryville Community Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Every community is different and has different ways of doing things," Schumer said. "Whenever you can get information out to the public, it is beneficial. We're a fairly new organization, so our community is probably not as aware as others."

The Safe House for Women has been operating in Cape Girardeau since 1991 and provides refuge and services for about 200 women and their children who are escaping domestic abuse each year. Since 1993, seven domestic-violence deaths have occurred in the Safe House's coverage area.

The shelter is extending new outreach services to Scott County, including transportation and assistance with protection from abuse. Scott County represents the second largest client base for the center. The expansion also will provide local access to emergency shelter. Temporary hotel accommodations will be provided, and a Scott County central office will open in the coming months.

The Perry County Women's Crisis Center opened in Perryville in October 1995. Since then, the shelter has served more than 300 women and children.

The crisis center serves Perry, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Ste. Genevieve and St. Francois counties. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 8 for a new, 18-bed facility for the center.