some more from www.scmcbws.org...

here is some more info from the battered women's shelter for medina and summit counties website on the services they offer...

Support Groups

~ Welcome ~

Have you ever wondered how you could lead your life towards a positive future?
Would you like healthy relationships that are not characterized by abuse and fear?

The BWS Support Group is your invitation to help pave the way to healthy relationships. You may feel as if you are the only woman in the world who suffers from an abusive relationship - or maybe you are unsure if what you are experiencing is abuse. BWS Support Groups provide the opportunity to be involved with other women also experiencing common areas of concern and personal confusion.

Support Groups offer emotional support and information on various topics that will help attendees find the tools needed to cope and heal from a domestic violence situation.
Groups are helpful because they:

• Provide a safe space
• Decrease self-blame
• Decrease isolation
• Decrease denial and minimization of abuse
• Increase awareness of personal options
• Increase self-respect and autonomy
• Offer new learning provided by new members
  
  

Support groups are facilitated by trained employees and are available throughout Summit and Medina Counties, Monday - Thursday, day and evening. For those women who must seek protective shelter, support groups are also held at various times in both counties domestic violence shelters. Groups are completely confidential–last names are not shared unless volunteered - what is said in the room stays in the room.
The purpose of the support group is to help increase your knowledge of domestic violence, power and control issues, give you tools needed to cope and heal, and enhance your self-esteem. You deserve that.

The BWS support group is your educational resource and the opportunity to connect with other women who can be supportive in problem-solving and to your positive progress. Invest your time and energy in the most valuable person in the world...........YOU!


Support groups are free and all are welcome.
For group locations and times in Summit and Medina Counties, contact the 24 hr hotline: (330) 374-1111

Family Stability Program

The Family Stability Program is currently available in Summit County and funded through the Summit County Department of Jobs and Family Services. Family Stability is a case management program that works with families in the community who are experiencing issues of domestic violence, whether emotional or physical abuse. If you have a protection order or are currently separated from the abuser, we may be able to help.

A protection order can provide much-needed safety and peace of mind to those who have experienced domestic violence. However, sometimes obtaining a protection order or leaving an abusive relationship can also produce some unexpected hurdles. A protection order may cause some major changes that you weren't expecting in your life.

You may experience changes in family income, transportation, housing, employment, family routines and support systems. Childcare may become an issue, especially if you are currently working, looking for employment, or are in school. If the abuser has been providing for the family financially, this may hinder the family income. The loss of income may disrupt the household finances. Safety also may still be an issue, and we can work with you to create a safety plan that best fits you.

Battered Women's Shelter Specialists can walk with you through this journey as you adjust to the changes in your world following the protection order process or separation. This program helps to keep the family calm and stabilized during a turbulent and volatile time.

The Family Stability Program provides the support, encouragement, information, education, and referrals necessary to calm the instability often caused by an abusive relationship. Case managers help identify barriers to self-sufficiency and help develop a goal plan to overcome those barriers. Families will be linked to appropriate community resources for additional assistance. We may be able to help in the following areas:

• Food
• Clothing
• Finding housing or rental assistance
• Utility Assistance
• Transportation
• Safety Planning
• Trying to find employment

Family Stability Program participants must be currently separated from their abuser or have a protection order, have children or be pregnant, and be within the income guidelines. Please call (330) 374-0740 for more information.

Court Advocacy

Domestic Violence victims seeking legal remedies may contact our Court Advocates. We can assist victims with filling out paperwork and filing protection orders. Advocates can explain options, accompany clients to hearings/trials in various courts throughout Summit and Medina Counties, and provide appropriate referrals. Advocates also provide support in police departments, prosecutor’s offices and in our Community Outreach Offices (which are located separately from our shelters).

Court Advocates are trained in crisis intervention with special emphasis on the legal aspects and rights of victims. We provide information on protection orders, victim compensation, and support and case management are available to every client as they move through the legal process.

Safety planning is an important part of what our Court Advocates do with clients in addition to educating clients on the variety of other services the Battered Women’s Shelter provides.

It is important to note that we are not attorneys, and we do not provide legal advice or representation in court, but we can provide you with referrals to practicing attorneys in your area.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM: The Justice System can be a scary and confusing place. Among other things, you will have to take time off of work, find a babysitter, borrow gas money, look for a parking spot and worry about the unknown. It doesn’t seem quite fair, and it is important to remember that you are there because of somebody else’s actions, and it’s NOT YOUR FAULT.

Our advocates are here to explain the process as well as what to expect. When you have questions or you just want to talk, we are available by phone, or we will set an appointment to meet with you in the office. We will provide you with information on your rights and responsibilities as a victim. Sometimes, just having someone by your side takes some of the anxiety and stress away. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

IF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL: Our advocates are available to discuss legal options with victims in the office as well as over the phone. Sometimes victims can be hesitant to take legal action and for very good reason. Taking the steps to call the police or file a police report does not always mean that an arrest will be made. Victims know this. If the abuser finds out that the victim made a police report and no arrest is made, the victim is no safer than before.

In Ohio, we have what is called “preferred arrest.” It is not mandatory for the police to make an arrest just because a person makes a call/report to the police. If an arrest is made, the abuser could be out of jail the next day.

It is important to understand the difficult position the victim is in when making the decision to take legal action against the abuser. It is also important to remember that separation is the most lethal time in domestic violence situations, and we are here to safety plan with the victim.

In Summit County, please refer victims to (330) 375-2247, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M-F.
In Medina County, please refer victims to (330) 723-9610, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M-F.

Protection Orders

The purpose of a protection order is to direct the abuser not to harm, attempt to harm, threaten, follow, stalk, harass, force sexual relations upon or commit any other sexually oriented offenses against the victim.

A protection order provides certain relief to a victim. It requires that the abuser or “respondent” stay a certain amount of feet or yards away from the victim or “petitioner” named on the order. A petitioner can also request their children to be named as protected parties on the order.

Magistrates/Judges have to follow the law and it is their job to determine whether someone meets the criteria under the law to qualify for a protection order.

There are different types of protection orders:

Criminal Temporary Protection Orders (TPO) – these orders are issued out of a criminal case and last as long as the case is open. If the case is open for 3 months, the order is in effect for 3 months. If you are a victim of domestic violence where an arrest has been made, you should be offered a TPO by the arresting officer. If you accept, you are required to go to court for a TPO hearing so that the court can formally issue the TPO.

Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (CPO)- a police report or an arrest does not have to be made in order to file for this type of order. These orders are filed for in the Domestic Relations division of the court of Common Pleas. CPOs last up to 5 years and provide other types of relief that TPOs do not, such as, child support, spousal support, custody and visitation.

Civil Stalking or Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (SSOOPO)- The procedure is very similar to the procedure for obtaining a domestic violence CPO. One difference is that the petition for a stalking CPO must be filed with the general division, not the Domestic Relations division, of the court of Common Pleas. You may petition for this order if you have either been a victim of “menacing by stalking,” meaning the perpetrator has engaged in a pattern of conduct which causes the victim mental distress or the belief that they will be physically harmed, or if the offender has engaged in a sexually oriented offense against you.

For each type of Civil Protection Order, there are certain criteria to be met. Court Advocates can help victims figure out which order fits their situation.

Community Education for Summit & Medina Counties

BWS has a community wide Outreach Program addressing topics such as Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships, Shelter Services and Programs, Donation Drives and much more!

AREA SCHOOLS are welcome to invite our staff to facilitate classroom lectures and discussions which are age appropriate, non-threatening and tailored for students of any grade. Topics include Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships and Dating Violence.
Girls Against Violence Against Women is a specific program aimed at building healthy relationships skills for girls ages 10-18.

CHURCHES, BUSINESSES, CLUBS, AND GROUPS are encouraged to schedule a speaker for any of their meetings, lunches, dinners, and trainings. We can also help kick off a donation drive with an educational speech and video. Topics for speaking engagements include:

• Myths and Facts about domestic violence
• Services that are available
• Information about victims
• Information about offenders
• Effects of domestic violence on children
• Understanding the cycle of abuse
• How domestic violence effects the entire community
• Domestic violence and animal abuse
  
  

Contact: Beth at (330) 374-0740 ext. 41 or email at BethM@scmcbws.org

The Early Intervention Program (EIP) & Stop the Cycle (STC)

The Battered Women's Shelter offers two classes free of charge to any person living in Summit or Medina Counties. This is an educational program offered to help persons better understand specific aspects of domestic violence. This educational information is presented in a nonthreatening and supportive manner so that participants can gain additional knowledge about and insight into the dysfunctional pattern of violence that may be developing within their family units. Many individuals are referred to these classes by area Courts prior to dismissal or lifting of either a criminal Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or a Civil Protection Order (CPO). These classes are also often part of Children's Services Bureau's (CSB) case management plans.

EIP focuses on the dynamics of an abusive relationship. Common myths and the realities of domestic violence and the pervasiveness of domestic violence are examined. The cycle of violence and some of the behaviors characteristic of an abusive relationship are discussed. Other topics covered include stress and anger and positive ways to cope with these emotions. With greater awareness of the dynamics of their own relationships, participants should be better able to identify the abusive cycle they (or someone they care about) are stuck in and therefore, will be better equipped to interrupt that cycle and decrease or put an end to the violence in their lives.

STC focuses on how children are affected by exposure to violence in the home. Sometimes children are the target of the abuse and sometimes they witness abuse between their parents or other family members. Either way, these children are traumatized by what they are seeing, hearing and feeling, and they can suffer long term negative implications. This class will examine the effects of domestic violence on children of varying ages, and introduce positive coping techniques and parenting skills to help lessen the impact of the violence on the children. By examining children's reactions to the violence and the resulting behaviors, participants may be better equipped to identify and positively address areas of concern in their own families.

Each class is two hours long and both are held in the evenings to better accommodate the schedules of interested individuals. Advance registration is required to attend these programs as space is limited.

Questions and requests should be directed to the Family Violence Court Advocate at (330) 375-2679 or (330) 375-2247.

Family Violence Court (FVC)

Operating in conjunction with the Akron Municipal Court, Prosecutor's Office and Probation Department, the Public Defender's Office, Oriana House, Victim Assistance, Summit Psychological Associates, and the Battered Women's Shelter, the FVC program provides a heightened level of supervision and services to eligible misdemeanor Domestic Violence offenders and the intimate partners they've victimized. This program was developed for the first-time violent offender. It is a year long diversion program. It offers early intervention through 26 weeks of batterers' intervention classes called Time Out Diversion(TOD) and intensive case management. All participants are frequently screened for drug and alcohol use, and when appropriate they are assessed for chemical dependency and may be referred into a treatment program. Participants must show financial responsibility by securing and/or maintaining employment and by paying court costs and program fees.

In order to participate in the FVC program, eligibility must be determined by Akron Municipal Court's Probation Department. During their Arraignment, the eligible defendant will be informed of their eligibility and their need to return to Court during the next FVC date. The arraigning Judge will set a $5000.00 signature bond which will allow the defendant to be released from jail that same day without posting any cash. This Judge will also sign a criminal Temporary Protection Order (TPO) on behalf of the named victim. This TPO will make it illegal for the offender to have any contact with or be within 100 yards of the protected person or their home. If there is a violation of the TPO, the protected person will need to call the police to report the violation and a new criminal charge could result.

This program is optional and all eligible defendants must decide if they will participate or not during their FVC appearance. Before making their decision, they must speak with an attorney who will explain the requirements of the program, answer questions, and give advice based on the details of their case. If an offender chooses not to participate in the FVC program after consulting their attorney, their case will be randomly allotted to 1 of the 6 Akron Municipal Court Judges.

When an offender chooses to participate in the FVC program, they enter a guilty plea to the charge of Domestic Violence, a 1st Degree Misdemeanor. If there are additional charges attached to the case, they will be dismissed. Investigators from the Prosecutor's Office will contact the named victim for input on the case and to hear any objections they may have to the defendant's participation in the FVC program, including the dismissal of any charges. Upon successful completion of the entire FVC program, the Domestic Violence charge is dismissed. One year after the dismissal and upon proper application, the court will consider sealing the record of the arrest and charge. If an offender fails to successfully complete the program, a conviction would result and they may serve up to 180 days in jail.

The Battered Women's Shelter provides a Legal Advocate to the victim identified in the FVC case who will stay in touch while the offender is in the FVC program. The advocate will keep the survivor informed of the offender's progress including any noncompliance or sanctions and is available to answer questions about the legal process, offer referrals to other beneficial services, to assist with a 5-year Civil Protection Order (CPO), or provide crisis intervention. This advocate also coordinates the Battered Women's Shelter's Early Intervention Program and Stop the Cycle classes to which the survivor may be referred.

Battered Women's Shelter of Summit & Medina Counties

some interesting literature about The Battered Women's Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties...all of this info has been pulled from their website and can be found at www.scmcbws.org


Our Mission
The mission of the Battered Women’s Shelter is to lead the community in the prevention of domestic abuse by providing emergency shelter, advocacy and education throughout Summit and Medina County. All in an effort to break the cycle of abuse and help promote peace in every family.

A GLIMPSE AT THE HISTORY OF THE BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTER THROUGH THE EYES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The records are a bit sketchy, but the message is consistent through the years. The Battered Women's Shelter today owes its roots, its direction and the excellence of its services to the founding mothers. I recently spent time reading the handwritten minutes from the Board of Directors meetings of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The dedication, passion and empathy of these early volunteers became the heart of this agency that still exists today.
Back in 1976 while I was completing my senior year at Copley High School, a group of women had begun to gather, discussing a community need and a desire to help. At that time, domestic violence, family violence or domestic dispute were not terms commonly used by human service professionals, law enforcement or the average lay individual. The founding mothers who gathered talked about "Court Watch Programs" and "Sheltering Victims in the homes of willing volunteers". They had a vision for a shelter specifically responding to the needs of women and children fleeing domestic violence, but they did not have the finances to underwrite such an endeavor. With obstacles before them, the group persevered and became known as the Akron Task Force on Battered Women.
Surprisingly, as I read those early Board Minutes I came across many names of community professionals and agencies that were aiding those founding mothers as they journeyed together in the early years. People such as Judge Judy Nicely from Domestic Relations Court and Jerry Egan from the City of Akron Planning Department were among the earliest professionals who became involved and are still committed to the mission today. Additionally, there were community organizations such as Victims Assistance and Family Services of Summit County (now called Greenleaf Family Services) who provided social service support and professional guidance to the earliest volunteers.
Similar to today, the earliest Board of Directors established the following subcommittees: Finance, Public Relations, Legal, Community Agencies Liaison and Volunteer. Their tasks were similar to those of the 2008 Board of Directors, identifying and filling gaps in services for victims of Domestic Violence. The 2009-2010 Board of Directors is seeking to polish the current services, fill in any domestic violence service gaps in the community and maintain the stable financial foundation that has followed the agency throughout the years. Our objectives today are being fulfilled by the diligent work of 55 staff members and approximately 60 volunteers. Today's staff have much in common with the staff of early days, however, those dedicated individuals did the same work as we do today without paid staff. On September 12, 1978 the Board of Directors called a special Executive Meeting which ensued with a "heated" discussion about the "need" for a paid agency Director. Other discussions and decisions in those early days included the pros and cons of opening a shelter, the need for the address to be anonymous and confidential, the importance of operating a 24-hour hotline and the critical role played by trained volunteers. In symmetry, the 1999-2000 Boards of Directors voted to establish a toll-free crisis hotline for Summit and Medina County residents unable to utilize the local hotline without incurring a cost. Additionally the 2000-2001 Board of Directors oversaw the establishment of a protective shelter in Medina County, thus ensuring that women and their children would not have to leave the County as they escaped violence in their homes.
Many issues have been discussed at the Board Meetings over the past 33 years, but the theme of "family peace" has remained constant. The Akron Task Force on Battered Women, now known as the Battered Women's Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties is once again considering a possible name change. The name no longer reflects the gamut of community-based services, prevention programs and transitional living options. No longer is the Board of Directors all women and no longer do we only respond to the needs of female victims. As the only agency in either county specifically focusing its programs and services on domestic violence issues, it has become imperative that we open our doors to all victims of family violence regardless of their sex and any other individual characteristic.
Unfortunately domestic violence has not gone away in the past 33 years. But fortunately, through many years of support by hundreds of staff, Board Members, community agencies and generous donors we have remained a stable, professionally operated agency responding to the needs of family violence victims. Thousands of victims have become survivors with the support, education and empathy provided through this organization. Little did the "founding mothers" know in 1976 and 1977 that their dreams would become reality and that their goals would help so many individuals and families as they journey towards a life of peace.
The Battered Women's Shelter belongs to this community. Therefore, we should all take pride in the accomplishments achieved as the agency has grown. The services and programs provided are a reflection of the good that can come when a small group of people gather together with an identified need and a conscience that believes in the betterment for all. We hope that the "founding mothers" are proud that we continue working everyday to ensure that this remains our focus.

Executive Director Terri Heckman
Director of Services Dana Zedak
Director of Finance Bruce Hyer
Associate Director of Resource Development Karen Widder
Assistant Director of Services, Medina County Crystal Baker
Associate Director of Resource Development Leanne Polio
Donation Coordinator, Summit County Polly Lincoln
Donation Coordinator, Medina County Kathy Henninger

...the shelter offers many services to those that come across it's path...some of the services that the shelter provides are:
Crisis Center
Step II
Step III
Support Groups
Family Stability
Court Advocacy
Community Education
Early Intervention/ Stop the Cycle
Family Violence Court

all of these services have a program that supports the victim. these services are listed in an order that takes the victim from the initial crisis, leads them through the process of finding a support group and making it through the court process to making the community aware of what is happening around them. each service has a short commentary on the website, which i will begin to share with you now...

Crisis Centers

Our crisis centers operating in both Summit and Medina Counties serve to provide emergency protective shelter and a supportive environment for women and their children fleeing an abusive situation.
The centers in both counties are at confidential locations. Our shelters are CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE, home-like environments where you can relax, eat a good meal, sleep in a peaceful environment and begin educating and empowering yourself. Trained staff are available 24 hours a day to answer our hotline and provide crisis intervention, safety planning and help callers explore their options. Domestic violence victims who call our hotline and need protective shelter have the option of staying in one of our shelters. There, trained crisis intervention specialists staffed around the clock are there to provide a safe haven where women and children can receive support, education, emergency food, clothing, personal items and explore their options, as well as promote non-violent conflict resolution.For male victims of domestic violence, the Battered Women's Shelter WILL provide identical safe housing using local hotels. Male victims will be checked in at various hotels under "safe names" so that their identity is protected. Employees from the shelter will visit the men and provide case management, support and education to help in planning the future.Case management is available to assist residents in setting short-term goals needed to transition into a life of peace. Some of those goals may include finding employment, housing, child care, utilizing court advocacy, obtaining protection orders, seeking legal representation, counseling, financial assistance, healthcare and education.Youth Advocates work with children and teens in shelter, providing individual and group support sessions. The advocates model and work with parents to regain age appropriate, non-violent forms of discipline, healthy communication and learn coping skills which are needed to successfully raise children.Residents can attend weekly support groups lead by a trained facilitator. Each week, the facilitator will discuss topics such as the cycle of abuse, signs of abuse and coping skills.
If you are in need of a safe place to stay while sorting through the complicated experiences of domestic violence, please contact our staff through the following hotline numbers:
Summit County Hotline (330) 374-1111
Summit County Toll Free Hotline (888) 395-4357
Medina County Hotline (330) 723-3900

Step II

What is Step II Transitional Shelter?

Step II shelter in Summit County, provides 48 beds to motivated victims who continue to strive towards self-sufficiency after residing at Crisis Center. This secure, confidential, twelve unit apartment building, allows women and their children to feel one step closer to living independently in the community. Although the shelter is in an apartment building, our 24-hour, on-site staff, consistently interact with the residents throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to sign releases of information, allowing staff to coordinate wrap-around services within the community. At times, services providers may come to the shelter to meet with clients on an as-needed basis.

How is Step II Different from Crisis Center?

Families may be provided with their own apartment which enhances privacy and independence. The furnished apartments have a kitchen, bath, living room, and between 1 and 3 bedrooms. Due to the amount of motivated women, some families and individuals share an apartment. When placing two families together, ages and sexes of children are taken into consideration for privacy concerns.Most residents are working towards a permanent life away from the abuser. This transitional shelter allows the residents much more time to continue achieving previous goals and to make new ones! During weekly case management sessions, women develop a self-made plan focusing on areas of their choosing; such as safety, housing, and employment. The Resource Room at Step II also provides adults with a quiet place to go, obtain referrals, utilize a computer, and make business phone calls.

CHILDREN OF STEP II

Our full-time Youth Advocate provides ongoing support to families; ensuring children's lives are minimally disrupted while in shelter. Most children can remain in their school of origin and be transported by the public school bus. Children can also choose to engage in individual tutoring programs, counseling, group field trips, weekly physical fitness activities, and more!The Youth Advocate uses a nationally recognized program titled: 40 Developmental Assets, allowing children to learn about healthy lifestyles in everyday activities. Domestic violence, safety, and confidentially, are also stressed with each child, helping them understand why they are in shelter and why friends and extended family are not able to visit. Children whose mothers are in the process of regaining custody are also permitted to visit and take part in the above mentioned activities.

How Long Can Someone Stay at Step II?

The Battered Women's Shelter understands the difficulties and struggles women must go through to regain their independence. Because of this, Step II shelter does not have a limit on the length of time it takes a woman to transition into the community (as long as she is in need of protective shelter and is abiding by the shelter policies.) The majority of women tend to utilize shelter services for approximately four months and at times, due to safety concerns, residents have stayed up to a year. For those interested in continued support for achieving long term goals, requests to enter the Step III residential program can be made to their case manager.

more later...