Organization helps 900 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault per year
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A local organization that supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault could use your help.
Leaders at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center said intervening in these types of cases before it is too late and knowing the warning signs of domestic violence is key to cutting the homicide rate in our area.
Each year, Beacon of Hope helps more than 900 people in central Indiana.
“We are really trying to get the community to embrace and support the work that we do here. … Domestic violence impacts 1 in 4, so it is here,” said Sandra Ziebold, CEO and executive director of Beacon of Hope Crisis Center.
The group helps with counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning, court accompaniment and even provides foster families for pets in the home.
The goal is to help eliminate barriers the might prevent someone from leaving an unsafe situation.
Beacon of Hope also provides “crisis bundles,” which are bags full of personal hygiene items and other necessities. They said oftentimes when women decides to leave the situation, they often have nothing but the clothes on their back.
Six area police departments have teamed up with the group for a comprehensive partnership as well.
“If you look at our local homicide rates and the correlation between domestic violence and those rates, the faster that we can intervene and get to a victim and help them and show them there is a way out, the more lives we save,” Ziebold said.
Ziebold said they’re helping more people than ever and the organization could use some help of their own. Donations and additional volunteers will help them to be able to continue the work they’re doing and possibly save lives.
“When you support agencies like ours you are helping us to intervene before homicides occur,” Ziebold said.
