Staff Mail

Domestic Violence Intervention

2004 Year End Review

 “Where there are battered women there are violent men and I don’t want them in my neighborhood.”

This sentiment shows our interconnection to each other. The fear associated with domestic violence is real and should not be taken lightly. The facts show that there is violence in our communities. Where there is a safe place for victims of domestic violence the entire community is safer. At the same time society needs to continue to hold batterers accountable for their actions.

In 2004 ComLinks Domestic Violence Intervention Program worked with 502 women, 38 men and 516 children: a total of 1,056 people in Franklin County. 66 people were sheltered in Hannah House, our Domestic Violence Shelter, for 891 bednights. 107 victims sought our services for the first time. Our advocates provided counseling 2,252 times. They were present with victims of battery at court, probation, and at police stations 401 times. They made 824 offsite or hospital visits. Our Family Therapist aided in therapeutic healing for 343 sessions. We facilitated 3 support groups. Our Youth Services Advocate organized one of these support groups for teens. The 24-hour crisis hotline rang 438 times.

ComLinks DVIP volunteers gave 3,998 hours in service to victims of domestic violence. They made it possible for us to answer the hotline 24 hours a day. They provided advocacy, clerical, and community services and assisted with fundraising. It would be impossible for us to accomplish the work that needs to be done without these faithful partners. We are awed and honored by their commitment, energy, dedication and support.

On September 15, 2004, we hosted Casey Gwinn, an international expert on domestic violence and the City of San Diego Attorney, for a day-long training for Law Enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices. 102 were in attendance for this conference entitled “Domestic Violence: Prosecution and Evidence Collection.”

This past year we began a new work with the Integrated Domestic Violence Court.

We continue to work with volunteers to establish a Tri-Lakes Safe Home. The “Quilting for a Safe Home” Project was completed in October. Three magnificent quilts were presented to a law-maker, victim advocate and survivor. Over $13,000 was added to the funding for the new Safe Home from this project.

The Franklin County Domestic Violence Task Force persists in the effort to address community-wide strategies to end family violence. In 2004 we met with area media to name domestic violence issues and discussed how these issues affect our communities.

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” Helen Keller’s words still challenge and inspire us to find new ways to open doors in our own neighborhoods that benefit the peace and safety of every family.

My best to you,


Jan F. Demers Director

Making Lives Better - Every Day!

Unduplicated Numbers 2004