Transportation
| Transportation to the shelter for families in danger can be arranged with the local law enforcement for their safety. Transportation during shelter stay is available on a limited basis for those who do not have their own vehicle. |
|
Individual Education and Support
Turning Point offers individual education and support to help victims cope with the trauma they have experienced and the effects it has had on their families. Residents of the shelter meet individually with advocates to talk about their needs and goals, develop safety plans and receive other supportive services.
Group Education and Support
 |
Residents participate in support groups on week nights. An advocate leads the group in discussions on self-esteem, assertiveness, safety planning, parenting and other issues. Individuals find support by sharing knowledge and experience with others who are in similar situations. |
Victims' Rights Advocacy
A Turning Point advocate can familiarize clients with Ohio laws that pertain to their situation. The victims' rights advocates can help answer questions regarding custody, criminal charges, protection orders, dissolution and divorce and property issues. Advocates can help victims understand the judicial process and attend legal and court appointments with the victim as requested. While the victims' rights advocates are not attorneys, they can provide referrals to affordable or even free legal services.
In addition, advocates are available to meet face-to-face with individuals who are considering using Turning Point's services. Advocates can meet at police departments or other safe places. Any individual with visible injuries may call and request a photo and written documentation of the injuries for possible future use. Parties with specific questions can meet with an advocate to have their concerns addressed.
Advocates can assist with Victim Compensation applicants and referral to local attorneys for assistance with filing when necessary.
Information and Referral
Turning Point can link clients with other agencies and affordable services as needed. Staff members inform clients about housing, education and employment opportunities. Medical services, mental health issues, batterers' treatment and resource needs are also addressed.
24-Hour Crisis Lines
(740) 382-8988 for local and business calls
(740) 363-5977 for Delaware office
(800) 232-6505 for callers outside of Marion
Turning Point's crisis lines provide victims with supportive listening, information and referral resources and access to agency services. Individuals concerned about the safety of a battered person may also call for information on the best ways to assist victims without jeopardizing anyone's safety.
Support Groups
Turning Point offers local support groups for current and former victims of domestic violence in each of the following counties: Crawford, Delaware, Marion, Morrow, Union and Wyandot. For the protection of all involved, members of the group must maintain full confidentiality of the group location, participating individuals and their discussions.
Survivors of family violence attend groups to resolve issues and deal with the remaining effects of abuse, while current victims examine options and plan for their safety. Topics discussed in the support groups include the effects of domestic violence on family members, related parenting issues, forms of abuse, victims' rights, red flags and warning signals, characteristics of abusers, safety planning and others.
Because of fluctuation in attendance from week to week, as well as the number of groups available, each group is relatively small and provides a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Often an advocate will meet with a new client on a one-to-one basis until the client feels comfortable enough to attend group.
Batterers' Treatment Program
Turning Point's newest and fastest growing program is the Domestic Violence Intervention Project (Batterers' Treatment). This is a court-ordered program, 12 to 18 weeks in length, which is based on the nationally known Duluth curriculum. The Duluth model is based on three principles:
- Safety for battered women and their children.
- Accountability for perpetrators and on the part of the system.
- The need to create a social climate for change.
|
Program participants focus on taking ownership of and changing their abusive behaviors, while learning communication techniques and ways to develop healthy relationships.
Children's Program
Turning Point recognizes the special needs of those children accompanying their parents to the shelter or to the community-based support groups. A comprehensive Children's Program meets these needs by offering the following services:
- Individual and group support
- Assistance dealing with issues surrounding children as witnesses or victims of domestic violence
- Educational assistance
- Recreational activities
|
Turning Point's staff is available to assist parents with
- Understanding children's reactions to domestic violence
- Non-violent disciplinary techniques
- Understanding child development
- Referring parents and children to schools and social service agencies
|
Community Education
 |
Turning Point's community education program stresses the importance of a violence-free society. Efforts include free public speaking to many clubs, church groups, civic organizations, and college classes, and professional training to professional organizations such as hospitals, departments of job and family services, counseling centers, crisis hotlines, and local law enforcement agencies. |
In addition Turning Point utilizes broadcast and print media; literature distribution including posters, brochures, and newsletters; creative advertising; special events; and public displays at county fairs, shopping centers, libraries, health fairs, and more.
