Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal
October 30, 2024
As I write this, the weather is forecasted to make a rapid change from warm and dry conditions to cold, rainy and much cooler temperatures. Because of the capacity of the shelter, several people are left out at night and will be trying to stay warm, dry and safe. We will provide what we can to help with the temperatures and wet conditions but what is needed most is a roof to be under, especially at night. Our brothers and sisters are vulnerable to the elements and other safety risks.
While October is nearly over, we are recognizing Domestic Awareness month. October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Our partners at Bolton Refuge House provided the following information:
On October 6, 1982, Eau Claire Police Officer, Robert "Bob" Bolton, was responding to a domestic disturbance at the shelter. When Officer Bolton arrived at the scene, the suspect was entering his car. Officer Bolton attempted to stop the suspect, but the man shot and killed Officer Bolton. In 1987, "Refuge House" became Bolton Refuge House, Inc in honor of Officer Bolton and his sacrifice. Bolton Refuge House continues to honor Officer Bolton's memory every year on October 6th as the Day of Unity, a day when we come together to acknowledge all victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this month, we honor and show solidarity with survivors of domestic violence, as well as educate about what domestic violence is, what it looks like, and its impact on both the individual and the community. One often overlooked facet of domestic violence is its relationship to homelessness.
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, between 22 and 57% of homeless women report that domestic violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness, and 38% of domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lives. Many survivors can have trouble renting homes as a direct result of their abuse – domestic violence and abuse, frequently in the form of financial abuse, can cause the survivor to have poor employment, rental, or credit histories, putting up steep barriers for the victim attempting to leave and find safety.
This relationship between homelessness and domestic violence shines an important light on both issues: how people may become homeless, and why it may take a victim many attempts to leave their abuser. Having an understanding of this interplay gives us the opportunity to serve both populations better, and to treat those experiencing either or both with compassionate and informed care.
Please take a look at this link for additional information on the types of domestic abuse. If you are in need of domestic abuse services or would like more information, please contact Bolton Refuge House at (715) 834-9578
CVSM and Bolton Refuge House Staff
