“Rockwall County has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade and as progressive as Rockwall County is, this issue not talked about; in fact often it goes silent: domestic violence.
“‘She sat in our office; head down looking ashamed. Nobody will believe me because I carry a nice purse and drive a new car.’
Women In Need*
“Women In Need’s (WIN) caseload, averages about 75-90 clients per month, with 10% being new clients. Many residents when hearing these statistics are surprised to learn that domestic violence is even an issue in the community. ‘Thankfully, WIN works closely with both law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office such that when incidents of domestic violence are reported, a quick and expeditious response is made and people within our community are once again safe.’
Women In Need volunteers*
“WIN has found that the majority of the victims that come in to our office are college educated, upper income homemakers. It is sometimes extremely difficult for them to reach out to even ask for help simply because of where they live, or who they are married to or it is due to the status and reputation that their family has come accustom to that keeps them quiet. Many feel that people won’t believe them because there is a belief that if you have access to money and the nice life that you can’t be abused, or that you really could do something about it if it was ‘that bad.’ Abuse does not discriminate. It crosses all boundaries of color, race, income and religion. WIN believes even one person being abused is too many.
Women In Need display at local library*
“Our goal at Women In Need is to provide hope and help for these victims. To be ears that will listen to them and arms that will hold them up when they don’t think they can stand on their own. Most importantly we want to empower them to live the life they were meant to live: without abuse. We provide emergency shelter, counseling and legal advocacy for victims but most importantly we provide support and education through our support groups and peer counseling to provide these women with a safe place to heal, grow and become sustainable. Sadly, some have gone so long without making any decisions for themselves, that they must go through a process of learning to love themselves again and finding out that they have opinions and that they have a voice.
Women In Need volunteers*
“When donating on North Texas Giving Day, please remember that no donation is too small or too large. Even $25 can make the difference to a mom who needs food or diapers for her child. WIN’s goal in working with North Texas Giving Day is to raise $10,000. This amount of money is enough to impact 400 families. Meaning 400 families whose lives will be changed forever, they will not have to live in fear anymore, and they will no longer have to live in an abusive relationship in order to survive from day to day.
-By Connie Pettitt, Women in Need Executive Director
* Graphic and photos provided by Women in Need