Domestic Violence Services

Imagine going to court alone to facesomeone who has threatened to kill you andhide your body if you tell anyone about theabuse occurring each day in your home.

Imagine waiting alone in the courthousehallway for your case to be heard by a localjudge and having your abuser sit down nextto you.

Imagine being called to testify before a judge about the intimate details of yourrelationship, including how you were sexuallyassaulted, while your partner stares at youfrom a seat less than three feet away.

Imagine walking to your car after yourcourt appearance and you hear your part-ner’s footsteps behind you.

75% of all homicides related to domesticviolence occur within 90 days of a victims’attempt to leave their assailant. Victims ofdomestic violence have good reason to beafraid. They face great danger each time theyappear in court or attempt to access the legalsystem. Whether they are in court asking fora court’s Order of Protection, a divorce,enforcement of a child support order, orappearing as a witness in a criminal trial, theyhave legitimate fears. Directly confronting aloved one that has harmed and threatenedthem in the past is a terrifying experience.

At Turning Point, our advocates and Com-munity Service Directors accompany clients to court to provide support and reassurance.Our staff is specially trained to help domesticviolence victims understand the legal languagein court orders, complete applications forprotective orders, and follow standard courtetiquette. When our clients must go to courtwithout an attorney, they appear more pre-pared and confident. This confidence trans-lates into victims who are more likely to succeed in court and to keep themselvesand their children safe.

In addition, we work closely with courthousestaff and law enforcement to ensure ourclients are safe when they enter and exit thecourthouse, while they are waiting, and whilethey are testifying. During 2003, Turning Pointserved 471 new clients through our part-timeBartholomew County Courthouse legal advo-cacy program and many more through ourCommunity Service Directors in Jackson,Jefferson, Johnson, and Shelby counties.Unfortunately there are more clients to serve;over 750 protective orders were filed during2003 in Bartholomew County alone.

Bartholomew

Jennings

Brown

Johnson

Dearborn

Ohio

Decatur

Ripley

Jackson

Shelby

Jefferson

Switzerland

P.O. Box 103 • COLUMBUS, INDIANA 47202-0103

CrisisHelpline800-221-6311

Administration812-379-5575

October, 2004

More than 50% of child abductions result from domestic violence.

A United Way/FundAgency

Imaginebeing the victim…

Legal Advocacy Services

Profile: Amy Huffman Oliver, J.D.

Turning Point advocates are not licensed attorneys and do not represent clients in court. However,many legal supportive services can be provided to domestic violence victims. A legal advocatemay assist clients by:

Womenwho obtainprotective

orderswere 60% lesslikely to havefurther contact

with their abuserand

70% less likelyto experience

injury.

Thehealth-related

costsof rape,

physical assault,stalking and

homicidecommitted by

intimate partnersexceeds

$5.8 billioneach year in

the U.S.

“Women who live in counties with legalassistance programs to help battered women aresignificantly less likely to suffer abuse because

legal services help women with practicalmatters… and actually present women with real,

long-term alternatives to their relationships.

1. Helping victims complete applications for Orders of Protection;

2. Attending court hearings with victims;3. Explaining courtroom etiquette;4. Referring victims to local attorneys;5. Interacting with the prosecutor and law

enforcement on behalf of clients;6. Assessing lethality and conducting safety

planning with victims and their children;

7. Educating victims on the dynamics ofdomestic violence;

8. Explaining basic legal options for victims;9. Offering community referrals for shelter,

counseling, housing, medical services orother social services; and

10. Leading systemic change within the localcourt systems to improve safety for victims.

As Turning Point’s Directorof Legal Services AmyHuffman Oliver has a diffi-cult job. “Each week I usual-ly have to explain to policeofficers why a victim wouldcall 911 to stop the violencein her home, but bail theassailant out of jail two hours later. Police seedomestic violence up close almost everyday.”Amy tries to help officers see the situationfrom the victim’s perspective. She remindsofficers that victims still love their partners.They just want the abuse to stop and oftenbelieve promises that it won’t happen again.In addition, when there is emotional abusethe victim may be unable to see the truescope of their personal situation.

Already in 2004, Oliver has trained 432 law enforcement officers to better investigatedomestic violence cases in five counties in-cluding Bartholomew, Jackson, Johnson,Jefferson, and Brown Counties. A licensedattorney and former domestic violence prosecutor in Marion County, Oliver focuses

training on the legal issues of domestic violenceby providing legislative updates, case studies, and recent court cases relating to domestic vio-lence prosecutions. Topics such as improving theinvestigation of a strangulation case, developing a sound stalking case, and determining which party is the predominant aggressor in a batterycase are a few of the specific modules developedto assist law enforcement departments in provid-ing current education for officers on domestic violence issues.

Turning Point also offers general training ondomestic violence, divorce proceedings, custodylaw, protective orders and workplace violence tocommunity organizations, agencies, human re-source professionals, attorneys, and other socialservice agencies Recently a workshop was pro-vided for Shelby County clergy members to assistthem in recognizing signs of domestic violencewithin their congregation.

To schedule domestic violence training for your group or business, please call Amy at (812) 379-5575 X203.

Living in fear…every day

I am a mother of an 11-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. I have an excellent job at a success-ful local business and am a survivor of domesticviolence. I am writing this statement on whatwould have been my wedding anniversary; mydivorce has been finalized. Yet, my divorce hasnot freed my children or me from the nightmareand fear of domestic violence.

For years, my children hid in their rooms undertheir blankets or in their closets crying and pray-ing the fighting would stop. They would screamout “Don’t hurt my Mommy! We’re sorry. We’llbe good.” He beat me, broke my ribs, injured myshoulder and back, shot at me, and much more.

He went to jail, but bonded out the next day and continues to disregard the protec-tive order I have secured. He is free... whilemy children and I remain in prison. We livein fear every day. We need more strict lawsagainst domestic violence, and educationthat domestic violence exists in our com-munity. No form of domestic violence willever be acceptable. No child should everhave to scream out in terror because theybelieve their daddy is killing their mommy.

Thank you for hearing my voice today.Please listen, care and take action whenchildren tell you about their fears of domestic violence.

a Survivor

C L I E N T STO RY …

Wendy’s ex-boyfriend had become abusive andwhen she ended the relationship the stalkingbegan. Each day he would sit is his car outsideher home. Each day he would follow her to work.Each day he would sneak into her home andrearrange the pillows on the couch, turn lights onand off, or move furniture so she would know hehad been inside. Wendy and her young daughterwere afraid to go home.

A Turning Point legal advocate was able to helpWendy obtain a protective order but she was stillafraid to go home. Unfortunately each time shesaw her stalker and called the police he could notbe found when they arrived. Finally an officer wasable to serve a protective order and a kind detec-tive was assigned to manage her case. With morethan 20 police reports documenting his continu-ing activity, the stalker was placed in jail for 30

days. When he was released, Wendy and herdaughter sought refuge at Turning Point’sEmergency Shelter.

Wendy left the area and is now settled inanother state in the Midwest where sheremains in hiding and has been undisturbedfor over two years. Her mail is forwardedthrough the Attorney General’s AddressConfidentiality Program to ensure that heraddress is not noted on any public records.

Before leaving, Wendy expressed gratitudeto the staff at Turning Point for their assis-tance in planning her escape. Although shewill always look over her shoulder, Wendyknows she and her daughter are safer todayand have “Hope for Tomorrow.”

Warningsigns thatan abuser

mightbecomelethal…

• Threatens or fantasizes homicideor suicide

• Escalates violence when victimseparates from relationship

• Has access to weapons• Acts as if they have “ownership”

of victim

• Obsesses over victim or family• Exhibits depression• Discusses hostage-taking• Escalates risky behaviors• Frequent, previous contact

with police

Have you ever beenafraid to go home?

OurCrisis Line

1-800-221-6311is staffed

24 hours a day365 days each

year withprofessionals

who offer information, support andguidance.

Neverignore thewarningsigns.

Domestic Violence Services

Over the past 5 years, domestic violence has received increasing attention in the media, from law enforcement and from the public in general. In addition, many of us in the general populationare aware of increased levels of violence in society at large and the need for a targeted response.At Turning Point it has become clear that our efforts to address domestic violence are resulting inmore accessible services for victims.

More and more victims of domestic violence are reaching out for help. Many indicators ofactivity throughout Turning Point’s multi-county service area give further evidence that victims areattempting to deal with domestic violence issues by seeking legal advocacy services, protection in shelter, learning how to protect their children, and accessing our Toll Free Helpline. During2003, Turning Point Community Service Directors assisted nearly 10 times the number of familiesthan were served historically through our emergency shelter program.

At the same time, Turning Point’s strongest indicator of effectiveness is the fact that 70.5% ofvictims served in shelter this past year did not immediately return to their assailants following astay in shelter. This is nearly double the success rate of the national average and is testimony tothe case management approach of working comprehensively with clients to free them from thecycle of domestic violence.

Supportive services provided in Bartholomew, Jackson, Johnson, Jefferson, and Shelby countiesinclude legal advocacy, crisis counseling, transportation, prevention and awareness training, andpersonal advocacy. With only 3% of victims seeking shelter, these outreach programs are key to meeting the needs of 97% of domestic violence victims in the communities where they live and work. The battle against domestic violence is fought one incident, one victim, and one family at a time.Turning Point positively impacts the lives of hundreds of families from all walks of life each year.Together we can make a difference.

Sincerely,Kris W. KindelspergerPresident, Turning Point Board of Directors

2003 Report tothe Community

CrisisHelpline800-221-6311

Administration812-379-5575

86%believed their life

circumstanceswere

moremanageable

after their stayat Turning Point.

In Shelter2000 2001 2002 2003

Adults Served 154 174 152 192Children Served 212 242 161 187Crisis Calls 1,560 2,285 2,848 2,424Number of Units of Service 5,934 6,033 4,990 6,154

Community Outreach StatisticsCrisis Calls 346Families Served 951Personal Advocacy 472Legal Advocacy 794Crisis Counseling 375

IncomeState and Federal $337,292United Way Funds $240,987Contributions/Foundations $157,466Operating Income $735,745Capital Improvements $20,738Total Income $756,483

ExpensesPersonnel $593,220Facilities $70,752Operations $122,828Total Expenses $786,800

2003 Program Statistics 2003 Financial Statement

* Audited Financial Statement available upon request.

Services

89% of individualssurveyed believed theyunderstood more

about the causesand prevention of

domestic violence aftercompleting our program.

United Way agenciesprovide over 30%of the funding for

Turning Point services.Please give generously

to support yourlocal fund drive.

❁ Emergency Shelter22-bed facility for female and male victims of domestic violence/sexual assault and their dependent children. Food, clothing and personal care items provided.Transportation arranged to and from shelter.

❁ Education, Prevention, TrainingCommunity training, domestic violence awareness presentations, psycho-educational support groups, agency collaborations and domestic violence education.

❁ Outreach ServicesIndividualized domestic violence services to meet the needs of out-of-shelter victims and their children. Crisisintervention, community education and awareness, andinformation and referral.

❁ Goal PlanningVictims empowered to achieve a violence-free lifestyle.Healthy, interdependent relationships are encouraged.Safety planning, crisis intervention, assessment, stabili-zation, education, and community resourcing and networking.

❁ Advocacy/Case ManagementComprehensive, individualized case management servicesusing a client-centered, strength-based, solution-focused family systems model.

❁ Children’s ProgramSafety, child advocacy, assessment, special needs resourcing,family case management, support groups, domestic violenceeducation and school liaison.

❁ 24 Hour Toll-Free Help/Crisis Line 1-800-221-6311.Call does not appear on caller’s phone statement.

❁ Legal Advocacy Program Filing Emergency ProtectiveOrders, advising and s upporting clients before PermanentProtetive Order hearings, providing information about divorce,child custody, child support, law enforcement and public assistance issues, and referring victims to attorneys and othersocial service agencies.

2003 Staff

Administrative Staff:Executive Director: Pat Smith

Development Director: Melinda Sprague-HufferFinancial Manager: Susan Thiessen

\ Program Staff:Advocates: Alycia, Bessie, Carolyn, LaVonda,

Paul, Sarah, Arriann, JessicaLori Adams Johnson County Community Service DirectorNicki Babb Shelby County Community Service Director

Connie Chandler Jefferson County Community Service DirectorElaine Daugherty Case Manager

Dana Fisher Director of Residential ServicesJane Huffman Children and Youth Academic TutorRhea Murray Jackson County Community Service Director

Amy Huffman Oliver Director of Legal ServicesM.J. Shireman Children’s Advocate

Domestic Violence Services

P.O. Box 103Columbus, IN 47202-0103

hope@turningpointdv.org

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDColumbus, INPermit No 315

Julie Abedian, PresidentColumbus Regional Hospital Foundation

Tiffany Baker, Board Secretary Jackson County Advisory Board

Courtney Carr, Business Development DirectorForce Construction Company

Richard Gold, President, Brinks, Inc.

Thomas Hajewski, Board TreasurerCertified Public Accountant

Kris Kindelsperger, Board PresidentPresident, Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, Inc.

Ellen Macy, Board Vice-President Asst. VP and Trust Officer, Irwin Union Bank

Mark Osowick, Executive Director HumanResources, Engine BusinessCummins Inc.

Stephanie Pierret, Attorney

Jeanne Saylor, Management SpecialistUnited Parcel Service

Kathryn Lowe-Schneider, Associate Deanof Students, Hanover College

Patrick J. Smith, Executive DirectorTurning Point

Board of Directors

• Emergency Shelter • Education, Prevention, Training • Goal Planning • Advocacy/Case Management• Children’s Programs • 24-Hour Toll-Free Crisis Line • Legal Advocacy

Prosecutors and their victim advocates from 10counties recently attended an all-day training ondomestic violence hosted by Turning Point and theBrown County Prosecutor’s Office. Attendees wereoffered an opportunity to study recent court deci-sions that relate to difficult domestic violence casesand develop relationships with their neighboringcounties. In addition, small group sessions allowedprosecutors and advocates to share how theircounty approaches issues such as bond, sentenc-ing, and courthouse safety.

Turning Point provided information about its sup-portive services and a tour of the shelter. “We wantto give prosecutors and their staffs the tools andsupport they need to stand tough against abusers,even when victims are too afraid to assist them,”said Pat Smith, Turning Point Executive Director.

Domestic Violence TrainingProvides Support for LocalCounty Prosecutor’s Office

Turning Point ServicesYear-to-date through 9/30/04

“In Shelter” ServicesNumber of Adult Clients Served 151Number of Children Clients Served 153Crisis Line Calls 2273Number of Units* (Nights of Shelter) 4459

Outreach Services

Clients Served 365Crisis Calls 374Personal Advocacy 933Legal Advocacy 795Crisis Counseling 851

* Unit = 1 night of shelter

Cindy Weisner and Crys McInerney,victim assistants in the Bartholomew County

Prosecutor’s Office, participated in Turning Point’srecent Prosecutor’s Summit.

JOIN US ON FRIDAY, NOV. 5Color Me Mine Pottery at The Commons Mall

Will Donate a % of their Sales to Turning Point.