On January 20, 2008, Debria Andrews, 46, returned to the St. Paul home she had shared with her husband Bruce D. Andrews, 50, in order to pack up her things. It became the last project she ever undertook.
“If she had been in the shelter,” New Directions Women’s Shelter Executive Director Jan Bartels said, “we wouldn’t have let her go back there alone to get her things.”
As it turned out, Bruce Andrews shot and killed Debria Andrews before taking his own life.
Although this is the only documented instance of a domestic violence fatality in Decatur County in the past year, even one is too many, Bartels noted.
New Directions works to promote awareness of domestic violence in order to prevent situations from reaching this tragic end, especially during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month. If a woman is being abused by her partner, a call to the shelter can offer support groups and other methods to help her choose a path to a better life.
“Even if she chooses to go back, we are here as a resource,” Bartels said.
Women and children can stay at the shelter to stay safe, since the homes of family and friends are often the first places an abuser will start looking, she noted. The shelter is a secure location that offers women a safe place to choose their course of action.
Legal proceedings can be problematic, as many situations are not witnessed and become “he said/she said” disputes. Regardless, victims need support and resources to help them through.
Bartels said it is the community’s responsibility to remain vigilant about domestic violence. People should keep in mind that abusers are controllers, she explained, so if a friend or family member withdraws from usual activities or ceases to be social or involved, it can be a warning sign. Repeated injuries are also a potential sign. Even if a person suspects their friend or relative is being abused, conversations can be hard to begin.
“They are with these men because they love them,” Bartels said.
This is why it can be helpful to get advice from an advocate by calling New Directions. They can offer suggestions or brochures to help a person get their concerns across. Victims, she said, will hide their abuse as long as possible out of embarrassment. This is true not only for physical abuse but for emotional abuse as well. Name-calling and constant put-downs are not a normal part of a loving relationship, Bartels said, so these, too, must be considered.
If a person takes the opportunity to call the shelter and decides to get out of their negative living situation, the county’s shelter is not the only one of its kind. It is part of a network under the umbrella of Turning Points. This includes shelters for men who are being abused.
As gas prices fluctuate and unemployment rates grow, abuse between members of households becomes increasingly prevalent. Drug and alcohol use also contributes to violence, Bartels noted, such that it is involved in 85 percent of domestic violence cases.
Bartels hopes the community will watch out for its members, realizing that violence affects everyone in the home, even if they do not suffer physical injury. Even infants can suffer trauma from being in an abusive environment. Beyond that, children develop a flawed image of what life is supposed to be.
The staff of New Directions is dedicated to continuing training and networking to offer the best care to victims in Decatur County as possible.
“We may be a small shelter, but we have as much expertise as anyone,” Bartels said.
To learn more about warning signs, ask for help or find out about volunteer opportunities, call the shelter at 662-8822.
News
New Directions Stands Up to Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- News
-
-
Statehouse action resumes after game break
After a time-out to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.
-
Super Bowl experience was a winner
If praise and adulation put points on the scoreboard, then Indianapolis had a blowout victory hosting its first Super Bowl.
-
DCCF announces grant opportunities
The Board of Directors of the Decatur County Community Foundation (DCCF) is pleased to announce it will continue a variety of grant opportunities available for 2012 from the unrestricted pool of funds.
-
Meth lab numbers continue to rise
The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section was started in January 2006.
That year, there were 803 meth labs dismantled around the state. -
Daffodil Days program inspires hope
Decatur County residents can fight back against cancer and share hope for those facing the disease by supporting the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days.
-
Commissioners approve grant application
At their regular meeting Monday morning, the Decatur County Commissioners received an update from Bob Barker, of the Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department, regarding funding for and repairs to Greensburg's public pool.
-
Medical mission a success for First Baptist
A medical Mission trip organized by Greensburg's First Baptist Church brought dental and medical care to many impoverished citizens of the Dominican Republic recently.
-
Sexual predator arrested
At approximately 11:50 a.m. Saturday, Trooper Randel Miller was patrolling I-65 when he stopped a 2006 Dodge Charger near the 51 mile marker southbound for a traffic violation.
-
Dr. Bennett plans polar plunge
It was a spur of the moment decision.
In that moment, jumping into a lake in the middle of February sounded like a good idea. -
GPD arrests three, issues felony charges
Arrests warrants for David R. Drew, 41, and Angela S. Drew, 38, of 417 North AmRhein Drive were issued Thursday, Feb. 2.
- More News Headlines
-
Statehouse action resumes after game break
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
