Group Wants To Shine Light On Help For Abuse

Members of the Spokane County Domestic Violence Consortium are proud of their efforts to spotlight an issue most people ignore.

A lot has been accomplished, they say, and the next challenge may be to become better-known.

“People don’t know we’re here, and we have so many services to provide the community,” said Jennifer Pearson, the group’s executive director.

Formed in 1992, the consortium includes representatives of law enforcement, the court system and social services.

Its goal is to provide help for domestic violence victims and to make sure abusers are held accountable.

Among its accomplishments so far:

Working with the Spokane Police Department on a training video about domestic violence for people working in the criminal justice system.

Distributing hundreds of brochures on domestic violence and protection orders through social service agencies, government offices and police substations.

Ongoing efforts include:

Helping the Spokane County prosecuting attorney’s office form a special domestic violence unit.

Developing a training program for clergy and other community members on domestic violence and religion.

Creating a directory of services related to domestic violence.

For more information about the consortium, call 487-6783.