Joy Hampton
Staff Reporter
CLAREMORE —
In 2009 Claremore police responded to 389 domestic violence calls. That’s more than one call per day in a crime that is typically under reported.
National statistics indicate some act of domestic violence occurs every nine seconds. In Rogers and Mayes Counties, Safenet Services is working to create a solution to the domestic violence problem.
Claremore police tracked the location and number of domestic violence calls in the city in 2009 and gave the data to Safenet Services. Safenet staff and volunteers transferred the information on to a map. The graphic representation of calls is meant to raise awareness within the community.
Heavy areas of calls occur in apartment complexes or mobile home parks, where population is dense, but even the nicest neighborhoods are on the list. Two calls to different areas of Heritage Hills and a call at Oak Ridge demonstrate that domestic violence is not limited by demographics such as socioeconomic status.
“Domestic violence is not just a low-end poverty level thing,” said Safenet Executive Director Donna Grabow. “It happens across all socioeconomic levels.”
The map demonstrates a higher frequency of calls than people might suspect.
“People don’t realize how often it’s happening,” said Grabow. “And it’s one of the most dangerous for police officers.”
“Domestic violence calls are very volatile,” said Capt. Charles Downum, Claremore Police Department. “We’re going into someone’s home, that’s their territory that they consider their private space. So we’re going in as intruders.”
Abuse is often emotional and psychological as well as physical. Victims are often socially isolated and may believe they are to blame for the abuse.
“Often the victims are not cooperative with us,” said Downum. “They want us there to stop the immediate problem, but often times they don’t want to follow through with prosecution when there’s been an act of violence.”
If a victim is willing to proceed with legal charges, Safenet can help. The organization provides victims with trained court advocates.
Safenet also provides emotional support, helps locate and identify resources, assists with referrals and provides or locates transportation services.
“Sometimes the partner may be the bread winner,” said Downum. “Not only is there physical abuse, there’s emotional as well. They have the woman convinced often times that the police can’t protect them and if they cooperate it will only be worse later.”
Downum said in his opinion abusers are cowards, who target vulnerable victims such as women and children or the elderly. While abuse can go both ways, Downum and Grabow say most abusers are male.
According to Safenet, one in four women experience domestic violence or sexual assault during their lifetimes. Consequences of violence and assault extend to the children who are caught in the cross fire of violence, sexual abuse, alcohol and drug addiction.
For police, domestic violence calls present unique challenges.
“There are weapons of opportunity in houses,” said Downum. “When you’re in a house, it’s basically their domain. We have to be aware that there are potential hazards for an officer and view them that way.”
He said a violent spouse or boyfriend will know where the weapons are in the house, especially weapons of opportunity such as a kitchen knife.
“We often go to the same domestics year after year,” said Downum. “We go to some of the same houses. It’s sad people chose to live that way. Often times alcohol is involved or some type of intoxicant.”
Downum and Grabow want victims to know there is a way out of the darkness and fear of abuse. Safenet offers a safe haven along with support for victims to face the challenges of rebuilding their lives.
With help and counseling, victims can heal, thrive and break the cycle of violence in their lives to build a secure and stable life for themselves and their children.
The Domestic Abuse Shelter provides a temporary home for women and their children. Victim Service Providers within the shelter promote independent living skills, positive parenting techniques and goal setting. At minimum, a 30-day stay is offered to victims of domestic violence. Classes in parenting skills are available through Safenet.
The 24-hour Crisis Hotline allows victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to find immediate help.
In the case where an abuser is willing to change, there is help for him as well. The 52 week-long CHANGES program focuses on altering the behavior of the abuser. CHANGES educates the batterer on non-destructive ways of communicating.
CHANGES is a State Certified Batterers Intervention Program led by a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Safenet is supported in part by United Way.
Safenet’s Autumn Antics for Survivors provides family-fun for those seeking refuge during a time of crisis. Sponsors are still needed.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can contact Safenet at 918-341-1424 or by email at info@safenetservices.org.
This year Claremore Police have already responded to 317 domestic violence calls as of Sept. 1. A bad economy and loss of jobs and income can contribute to increased levels of domestic violence say experts.
“We’re ahead of last year on calls,” said Susan Wolfenbarger of Safenet.
Grabow said the efforts of the Coordinated Community Response Team and increased training in evidence-based prosecution are helping with legal prosecution and monitoring of abuse and convicted abusers.
“Protecting children from experiencing and staying in that environment is important because we do learn what we live,” said Grabow.
•••••
• The Rogers County United Way Kickoff this year is Sept. 16 and features a rock concert at NeMar Shopping Center along with informational and fun booths and activities.
