Sarah Kingston
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Sarah Kingston
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For victims of domestic violence, help is at hand through the Branches program of Cabell, Mason, Putnam and Wayne Counties.
Sarah Kingston is the Branches outreach officer for Putnam, she told Putnam Rotarians today. Working with the judiciary, the prosecuting attorney and law enforcement, she provides for counseling and immediate needs of victims.
There is no charge for services, she said. Branches is non-profit, and funded by United Way, the State Department of Health and Human Services and federal agencies through legislation such as VAWA (the Violence Against Women Act of 1994) and VOCA (the Victims of Crime Act of 1984).
In West Virginia, one out of three homicides is related to domestic violence, said Kingston.
In Putnam County, however, there may be a lighter side to these dark statistics: With the cooperation of law enforcement, the prosecutor's office and social services agencies such as Branches, Kingston said she has "never lost a client to domestic homicide."
Branches coordinates efforts with the Family Resource Network which meets monthly on second Fridays at 10:00 at Teays Physical Therapy Center.
"In one year, Putnam Emergency Dispatch had 665 calls for a domestic disturbance in progress," Kingston said. "There were 47 arrests for domestic assault, 133 battery arrests and ten domestic battery arrests for a second offense.
"Last year in Putnam courts, there were 371 cases involving orders of protection. 143 protective orders were granted."
Why do people continue to endure domestic violence? Fear is the main reason, says Kingston. After one battery, the threat of further violence often gives rise to a controlling fear.
Faith, ironically, is often a factor. A pastor told one battered wife that if she left her abusive husband that "she would disappoint God."
And Kingston's clients sometimes quote scripture to support a decision to remain in an abusive relationship.
Kingston doesn't argue the point. The mission of Branches is support, not persuasion or decision.
Many women in our society see themselves as "fixers," she said. The domestic situation may be abusive, but "I can fix it. I can make it work."
And women often want to maintain a family relationship at any cost. "The most important thing you do is keep your family together." And, "sure, he beats me. He demeans me. But he is good to the kids. And kids need a father."
Kingston cited one case where a woman came home from a visit to the doctor and told her husband she was pregnant. The husband's reaction was to beat her so severely that she miscarried. Her own father brought her from the hospital back to that same home.
"She stayed with the husband for 23 years," said Kingston.
But, Kingston concluded, once a decision is made to end an abusive relationship then help is available.
The abused spouse should have money for phone calls, taxi service and food.
Branches suggests to its clients who decide to get out:
Branches is able to provide a temporary shelter, and assistance with other needs.
"It is often a slow process," said Kingston, but I have seen so much success once (abused spouses) are out of their situations. This job is a gift.
"I have seen so much courage walk through the door of my little office in Winfield than I could ever experience anywhere else."
"Does Branches have an outreach program?' someone asked.
"That's one reason that I'm here today," the speaker replied. "And I'm also available to speak to churches and other community groups."
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BRANCHES
24-Hour Hotline 529-2382. Call Toll Free 1-888-538-9838. In Putnam County |
