Ywca Focusing On Domestic Violence

Tue., Oct. 8, 1996

Elana Ashanti Jefferson Staff writer

“Almost half of the people murdered in this area last year died at the hands of a partner,” says Carolyn Morrison, director of the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program.

Last spring, Morrison teamed up with ADT, the national security company, and local law enforcement and judicial officials to try to reduce domestic violence by providing women with electronic security devices. Four women in the Spokane area currently wear these devices, called AWARE pendants. When in danger of attack by their abusers, the AWARE pendant allows these women to quickly notify police.

ADT furnishes the pendants free of charge to over 60 cities nationwide. Morrison says people interested in receiving the pendant must “be willing to get a protection order against their abuser and testify in court.”

But the best way to prevent domestic violence, she says, is to avoid getting into a relationship with and abusive person. If your partner is jealous, controlling or tries to isolate you from family and friends, these are warning signs. If he threatens you, your children or your property, beware.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so Morrison is stepping up her efforts to educate the public on the issue. Wednesday at noon, the YWCA is sponsoring a rally at the Spokane County Courthouse featuring Sen. John Moyer and his campaign opponent, Lisa Brown, a two-term state representative. The choir from Lewis and Clark High School will participate in the ceremony. “And we’ll honor the women who have had the courage to leave (abusive relationships),” Morrison says.

Services offered by the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program include crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy and public speaking. They also operate Spokane’s only confidential shelter for women and children seeking refuge from abuse. To find out more about the Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program, call 326-CALL (326-2255).

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MEMO: Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call Elana Ashanti Jefferson at 459-5419. To get involved with HIP, call 482-2557.

Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call Elana Ashanti Jefferson at 459-5419. To get involved with HIP, call 482-2557.