Changing perceptions

Informational fair set for domestic violence and sexual assault services October

is domestic violence month

COLUMBIA BASIN — At the end of the work day, Pat Burleson knows it has been a good day if one of her clients has "gotten wings," as she calls it.

It is a term Burleson and other coworkers at New Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services use when referring to a victim who has made leaps and bounds in their recovery effort from abuse.

"You know that they have gotten so much stronger and they're ready to fly, that makes it worthwhile," said Burleson, who works as the program director at New Hope.

October is domestic violence month, another reminder to Burleson of the many victims still living day to day with the effects of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Last year alone, New Hope assisted 1,213 individuals who were the victims of such violence and abuse.

From Oct. 5 through 7 New Hope is planning "Safe at Home," an informational fair to inform the community of domestic violence and sexual assault services and preventative measures available to them.

Each of those days, booths will be set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Oct. 5, the event will be held at Rock Park in Ephrata followed Oct. 6 at Pioneer Park in Othello and Oct. 7 at Sinkiuse Square in Moses Lake.

In previous years, New Hope's annual event, Take Back the Night, was held in recognition of domestic violence month and was held in the evenings.

Due to the low number of attendees, it was decided that a daytime event might draw a larger crowd, Burleson said.

New Hope offers crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy and provides emergency food and shelter to victims of domestic violence.

This gives victims a chance to have a safe place to go and receive basic services until they can get back on their feet, Burleson said of emergency shelter services.

Burleson said one of the more unique programs to New Hope, is Mis Sue-os (My Dreams). It helps pre-teens gain confidence within themselves and understand how valuable they are despite circumstances at home or abuse that has taken place.

Mis Sue-os is a 12-week program and is held at various middle schools in the Basin.

Throughout the program, participants are asked to reflect on their own cultural heritage and the support systems present within that heritage, a technique Burleson identifies as one way to build self esteem.

Violence is generational, Burleson said. "If they use violence as an answer, they are putting their own life at risk and the future that they could have."

Perceptions that domestic violence is a private matter to be talked about only among family members or that it doesn't happen to men are commonly held beliefs Burleson wants to see change.

Domestic violence does happen to men, but how society teaches young boys to deal with abuse from girls may factor into if or how male victims report violence by female perpetrators, Burleson said.

Similarly with smoking and alcohol abuse, once hailed as popular, Burleson has hope the same thinking will change in regards to domestic violence and sexual assault.

"People are actually starting to look down on the drunk driver," Burleson said, but when it comes to sexual abuse or domestic violence, "the line hasn't been drawn yet, that no means no and that no matter what the circumstances, you don't ask to be sexually assaulted."

For more information, contact New Hope at 764-8402.