11th annual event held in light of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
NORWICH — The 11th Annual Catholic Charities Celebration of Women was held Thursday at the Artists’ Palette in downtown Norwich.
Guest speakers at the event included Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and Ivory Henderson, a domestic violence survivor.
The event’s goals were to enlighten women, empower and educate women to provide them with a greater knowledge of the services available to them in Chenango County.
April Conant, a Crime Victim’s Advocate with Catholic Charities of Chenango County (CCOC) said the event was open to all genders, anyone who may be looking for further information on how to deal with domestic violence issues.
“We’re here to provide education about the services available to those who may be victims of domestic violence,” Conant said. “At this event we’ve featured home-based businesses that may empower women.”
In past years, the event was held at Howard Johnson’s in Norwich. This year, in an attempt to provide a more intimate atmosphere, the Artists’ Palette was selected as the venue. Owner Jill Kraft is also on the board at CCOC.
“Plus, change is always good,” Conant said.
Conant said more women in the area come to CCOC to report abuse than men as men may feel some sort of stigma about reporting abuse. She said domestic violence affects children, women and men.
Per information provided at the event one in four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime, and women ages 20-24 are at the greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence. Additionally, more than 3 million children each year are witnesses to domestic violence within their home.
According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, domestic violence is currently the third leading cause of homelessness among families.
Ivory Henderson spoke regarding her experiences with domestic violence. She is the founder of OneVoice4You, where victims are able to reach out and speak out.
Henderson said she would like to get into school to educate children about domestic violence, so children know to tell someone if they see something happening at home.
“I would also like to put a focus on silent victims and incarcerated families,” Henderson said. “Even when people are locked up, they can be so controlling.”
Henderson hopes to be an independent advocate for those in need, and she said it is in the works for workshops to take place to raise additional awareness within the community.
McBride extended gratitude to those in attendance for inviting him to speak at the Celebration of Women, as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“It is my understanding that there are victims of such crimes in the audience, and I would like to thank them for being in attendance and honorable sharing their story to further increase awareness of this problem in our community,” McBride said.
He added that the District Attorney’s Office’s past success in convicting domestic violence offenders would not have been possible without the aid of CCOC and local law enforcement.
“October’s designation as Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a tradition that spans over 27 years, McBride said. He added it works to bring forth an issue that affects “an unacceptable about of Americans, as well as residents of this county.”
McBride referred to statements made at the White House about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “In their statement at the beginning of October, the White House declared that Domestic Violence Awareness Month ‘acknowledges the progress made in reducing these shameful crimes, embraces the basic human right to be free from violence and abuse, and recognizes that more work remains until every individual is able to live free from fear.’”
“Locally I commend Catholic Charities of Chenango County for continuing these and further efforts year round,” McBride said. “Though Catholic Charities’ safe houses, crisis intervention services, support groups, and numerous other programs, this agency provides invaluable support to victims of domestic violence in our community.”
The DA said CCOC’s coordination with his office has been an essential asset in cases that have been prosecuted.
McBride mentioned statistics that he referred to as “harrowing.”
Similarly to Conant’s comments, McBride said one in three women and one in four men are affected by domestic violence at some point throughout their lifetime.
“In the United States, 20 people per minute are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner, and one in three homicides are related in the same manner,” McBride said.
The DA added that in New York State, 48 percent of female homicide victims more than 16 years of age were killed by their significant other.
“However,” McBride said, “perhaps the most worrisome numbers are the ones here at home. Each year in Chenango County, state and local law enforcement agencies responded to 945 domestic disturbance calls.”
This is an average of nearly three calls per day. “These incidents constitute more than half of all crimes annually reported to local police,” McBride said.
Conant, McBride, and CCOC Executive Director Robin Beckwith all said a very alarming statistic is that the Catholic Charities safe dwelling bed night totals have increased 168 percent in the past 5 1/2 years.
“While this data is certainly indicative of the issue at hand, the victims of each one of these crimes are not simply a number,” said McBride. “We are lucky to love in a small community where each case can be approached individually, with the meticulous care provided by Catholic Charities.”
The District Attorney told the crowd that the DA’s office emphatically attempts to protect women and children in the county.
“In recent years, we have successfully tried and convicted two high profile domestic violence homicide cases, where in both instances the defendants were found guilty of murdering their wives,” McBride said. “The strict punishment these men have and will receive sends an unquestionable message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
McBride added that the DA’s office will continue to work diligently on upcoming cases to show the commitment to the awareness of domestic violence in Chenango County, and also to its intent to take action to eradicate the issue.
“Through coordination with agencies also upholding these values, such as Catholic Charities and local law enforcement, I firmly believe this goal will one day be attainable,” McBride said.
Conant said domestic violence is a power and control issue, and often times victims of domestic violence return to the offender seven times before finally leaving the situation for good. “People do leave,” Conant said.
Vendors and organizations present at the Celebration of Women event included — but were not limited to — the Crime Victims Program, I Can/We Can Stand Up To Domestic Violence, Fidelis health insurance, nutrition outreach education program, Quaranta Housing, Chenango County Literacy Volunteers, Job Cops, IT Works, Passion Parties, Dotera Oils, and Younique Cosmetics.
Gratitude was extended to those who donated items that were raffled off at the event, including AIM Fitness, Chenango Massage, Star Nails, Teasers, Hairaphenalia, Thymely Treasures, Benedict’s Wine & Liquor, The Parson’s Daughter, Nancy Phillips, Karen Glasbergen, and Jill Kraft.
Beckwith added there were major funding cuts made to the CCOC which will reduce its services in the future. A complete story regarding the funding will appear in a future edition of The Evening Sun.
“Advocacy services are available to victims and family members free of charge,” read the back of the event’s program. “We are here to help, regardless if you choose to make a report to the police.”
“I want victims to stop being so quiet,” said Henderson. “I want to be a voice for them now.” She added that the OneVoice4You website is currently in the works.
Those in a domestic violence situation are encouraged to call the 24 hour Crime Victims Hotline at 336-1101.
Guest speakers at the event included Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and Ivory Henderson, a domestic violence survivor.
The event’s goals were to enlighten women, empower and educate women to provide them with a greater knowledge of the services available to them in Chenango County.
April Conant, a Crime Victim’s Advocate with Catholic Charities of Chenango County (CCOC) said the event was open to all genders, anyone who may be looking for further information on how to deal with domestic violence issues.
“We’re here to provide education about the services available to those who may be victims of domestic violence,” Conant said. “At this event we’ve featured home-based businesses that may empower women.”
In past years, the event was held at Howard Johnson’s in Norwich. This year, in an attempt to provide a more intimate atmosphere, the Artists’ Palette was selected as the venue. Owner Jill Kraft is also on the board at CCOC.
“Plus, change is always good,” Conant said.
Conant said more women in the area come to CCOC to report abuse than men as men may feel some sort of stigma about reporting abuse. She said domestic violence affects children, women and men.
Per information provided at the event one in four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime, and women ages 20-24 are at the greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence. Additionally, more than 3 million children each year are witnesses to domestic violence within their home.
According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, domestic violence is currently the third leading cause of homelessness among families.
Ivory Henderson spoke regarding her experiences with domestic violence. She is the founder of OneVoice4You, where victims are able to reach out and speak out.
Henderson said she would like to get into school to educate children about domestic violence, so children know to tell someone if they see something happening at home.
“I would also like to put a focus on silent victims and incarcerated families,” Henderson said. “Even when people are locked up, they can be so controlling.”
Henderson hopes to be an independent advocate for those in need, and she said it is in the works for workshops to take place to raise additional awareness within the community.
McBride extended gratitude to those in attendance for inviting him to speak at the Celebration of Women, as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“It is my understanding that there are victims of such crimes in the audience, and I would like to thank them for being in attendance and honorable sharing their story to further increase awareness of this problem in our community,” McBride said.
He added that the District Attorney’s Office’s past success in convicting domestic violence offenders would not have been possible without the aid of CCOC and local law enforcement.
“October’s designation as Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a tradition that spans over 27 years, McBride said. He added it works to bring forth an issue that affects “an unacceptable about of Americans, as well as residents of this county.”
McBride referred to statements made at the White House about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “In their statement at the beginning of October, the White House declared that Domestic Violence Awareness Month ‘acknowledges the progress made in reducing these shameful crimes, embraces the basic human right to be free from violence and abuse, and recognizes that more work remains until every individual is able to live free from fear.’”
“Locally I commend Catholic Charities of Chenango County for continuing these and further efforts year round,” McBride said. “Though Catholic Charities’ safe houses, crisis intervention services, support groups, and numerous other programs, this agency provides invaluable support to victims of domestic violence in our community.”
The DA said CCOC’s coordination with his office has been an essential asset in cases that have been prosecuted.
McBride mentioned statistics that he referred to as “harrowing.”
Similarly to Conant’s comments, McBride said one in three women and one in four men are affected by domestic violence at some point throughout their lifetime.
“In the United States, 20 people per minute are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner, and one in three homicides are related in the same manner,” McBride said.
The DA added that in New York State, 48 percent of female homicide victims more than 16 years of age were killed by their significant other.
“However,” McBride said, “perhaps the most worrisome numbers are the ones here at home. Each year in Chenango County, state and local law enforcement agencies responded to 945 domestic disturbance calls.”
This is an average of nearly three calls per day. “These incidents constitute more than half of all crimes annually reported to local police,” McBride said.
Conant, McBride, and CCOC Executive Director Robin Beckwith all said a very alarming statistic is that the Catholic Charities safe dwelling bed night totals have increased 168 percent in the past 5 1/2 years.
“While this data is certainly indicative of the issue at hand, the victims of each one of these crimes are not simply a number,” said McBride. “We are lucky to love in a small community where each case can be approached individually, with the meticulous care provided by Catholic Charities.”
The District Attorney told the crowd that the DA’s office emphatically attempts to protect women and children in the county.
“In recent years, we have successfully tried and convicted two high profile domestic violence homicide cases, where in both instances the defendants were found guilty of murdering their wives,” McBride said. “The strict punishment these men have and will receive sends an unquestionable message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
McBride added that the DA’s office will continue to work diligently on upcoming cases to show the commitment to the awareness of domestic violence in Chenango County, and also to its intent to take action to eradicate the issue.
“Through coordination with agencies also upholding these values, such as Catholic Charities and local law enforcement, I firmly believe this goal will one day be attainable,” McBride said.
Conant said domestic violence is a power and control issue, and often times victims of domestic violence return to the offender seven times before finally leaving the situation for good. “People do leave,” Conant said.
Vendors and organizations present at the Celebration of Women event included — but were not limited to — the Crime Victims Program, I Can/We Can Stand Up To Domestic Violence, Fidelis health insurance, nutrition outreach education program, Quaranta Housing, Chenango County Literacy Volunteers, Job Cops, IT Works, Passion Parties, Dotera Oils, and Younique Cosmetics.
Gratitude was extended to those who donated items that were raffled off at the event, including AIM Fitness, Chenango Massage, Star Nails, Teasers, Hairaphenalia, Thymely Treasures, Benedict’s Wine & Liquor, The Parson’s Daughter, Nancy Phillips, Karen Glasbergen, and Jill Kraft.
Beckwith added there were major funding cuts made to the CCOC which will reduce its services in the future. A complete story regarding the funding will appear in a future edition of The Evening Sun.
“Advocacy services are available to victims and family members free of charge,” read the back of the event’s program. “We are here to help, regardless if you choose to make a report to the police.”
“I want victims to stop being so quiet,” said Henderson. “I want to be a voice for them now.” She added that the OneVoice4You website is currently in the works.
Those in a domestic violence situation are encouraged to call the 24 hour Crime Victims Hotline at 336-1101.
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