By Jeanne Henningsen, Grace Member and Member of CASA Marion Advisory Board
From September 29 to October 20 Grace will be collecting personal care Items for CASA Marion clients. There will be a list of suggested items in the Sunday, September 29, bulletin and you can see the list here.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the theme is #Every1KnowsSome1 which means that everyone knows someone that’s affected by domestic violence, whether you can see it or not. Because domestic violence thrives in silence, we want to get people talking about it so survivors know that they’re not alone and that help is available.
We are very fortunate to have services available in Marion County provided by CASA Marion (Community Action Stops Abuse). CASA Marion serves individuals of all genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, and socioeconomic status. Their mission is “Challenging the Societal Acceptance of all Forms of Domestic Violence, CASA Stands Up to Silence through Advocacy, Prevention, Intervention, and Support Services.”
CASA operates the area’s 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter; Child Protective Investigative Team support; non-residential programs, such as support groups, economic empowerment, and legal advocacy; and community and corporate training, with additional services to be added in the near future.
CASA Marion opened January 1, 2024 and in six months had already provided 4,605 total services, taken 436 calls through the emergency hotline, and served 263 survivors. To see a short video on the impact of CASA Marion from January 1 – June 30, click here: https://bit.ly/3XGEYcL
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you are encouraged to call CASA’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline (352-722-CASA; outside area 800-799-7233). An advocate can help you evaluate the danger that exists in the relationship and help you prepare a safety plan to address your immediate need.
It can be difficult to realize the danger because you’ve coped so well for so long. However, it’s important to call as soon as you suspect abuse so you can come up with a safety plan and reduce the abuser’s opportunity to hurt you and your family.
If you would like more information, get involved, or sign up for the CASA Marion newsletter, go to their website: https://www.casamarion.org.
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