Changing the culture that leads to domestic violence.

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Domestic Violence Network honors victims who lost their lives to domestic violence

By: Kelly McBride, executive director, DVN

On October 3, 2017, the Domestic Violence Network hosted the 27th annual commemoration to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence and celebrate the survivors. From July 1, 2016- June 30, 2017, central Indiana lost at least five members of our community to domestic violence. There names are:

Hallie Bullard
Tiffany Greer
Mary Matzke
Christen Brown
Lindsey Wilkins

The Domestic Violence Network works diligently to educate the community on the warning signs of domestic violence and ways to prevent and respond to it. With the launch of our new community wide plan, Intersections, we are exploring risk and protective factors that could lead to further prevention of this epidemic. We know that children who experience trauma are more prone to mental health challenges, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and being a victim or perpetrator of violence. Prevention starts with you. Talk to your children about what a healthy relationship looks like. Model this behavior for them. Be patient and loving and kind to those in need and do not turn your back on a victim as she travels her journey. Be her support and leave the door open to further conversations. Challenge abusive behaviors when you witness them. Help to create a culture that is unaccepting of all types of violence.

As Vicki Harrison once said: Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.

To be connected to an advocate near you, please call 2-11