H.A.V.E.N. Update
By Cathleen Osborne-Gowey (Program Admin – Crime Victim Advocate) 918.554.2836 or through our text line at 918.533.3070 and by email at COsbornegowey@estoo.net
Upcoming Events:
Support Group: Please call our office for details.
Resource Booth at:
Hope Fest Sept 14th
Pride Event Sept 21st
Assisting with Fun Run
Booth and Promotional Items at the Eastern Shawnee Pow Wow
Program Update:
Hello all –
This past month we’ve all faced our share of storms and fires, being able to be prepared in moments like this can make all the difference. The same is true for victims of violence, preparedness for a victim of violence to leave at a moment’s notice can be life changing.
Did you know that 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime?
Think about your closest circle of friends. Now, notice the statistic above. 1 in 4 women. 1 in 7 men. Statistically, someone you know has been a victim of domestic abuse, yet you probably have no idea. Frightening, right?
We all would like to think it would never happen to us or someone we know, but the reality is that it does happen. There are warning signs of abuse that we should be aware of, both in our own relationships and those of others around us. Plus, abuse can be more than just physical or emotional—sexual, financial and digital are a few other forms abuse can take.
If you live with your partner and begin to notice the red flags, or sense a friend may be in trouble, it’s a good idea to be prepared to leave when necessary. One way to do this is to keep a “go bag” ready and waiting. This way, in case of an emergency situation, you are able to leave immediately with all the essentials.
Your go bag could include:
- Birth certificates and social security cards for yourself and your children
- Driver’s license and/or passports
- Marriage, divorce or custody papers
- Legal protection or restraining orders
- Health insurance cards and medical records
- Immunization records
- Car title, registration, and insurance documentation
- Cash and prepaid credit cards that can’t be traced
- Prepaid cell phone or a cell phone with a new contract and number. Try to keep it fully charged.
- Current medications and prescriptions for yourself and your children
- Clothing for you and children
- Keepsakes
- Spare set of keys
Keep the go bag somewhere it could easily access it if you had to leave in a hurry. Some ideas might be in the trunk of a car, near a front door, or at a trusted friend’s house. Try to keep phones charged and cars full of gas, just in case.
In many cases, returning to home once a person leaves may not be an option. If they do feel the need to return for more items, make sure they are keeping safety in mind. It can be helpful to suggest that individuals consider when it might be safest to leave such as when the abuser won’t be home, and or bringing someone with them such as a friend or police escort.
Article Featured in Love is Respect Blog by Staci Salazar www.loveisrespect.org/resources/how-to-make-a-go-bag-when-leaving-an-abusive-relationship/
If you have questions, please contact HAVEN and talk with one of our advocates about how we can help, safety planning, and what services Haven can provide.
Haven Office Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday
HAVEN Does NOT provide 24- hour service. After hours please call:
StrongHearts Native Helpline https://strongheartshelpline 1-844-762-8483 (call or text) or Community Crisis Center, Miami, OK 1-800-400-0883
StrongHearts and Community Crisis Center have 24 hour service
Please call the HAVEN office during business hours for more information.
918-554-2836 or Text Line: 918.533.3070
Program Website: https://havenprogram.com/
Program Email: havenprogram@estoo.net Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program, Twitter: @ProgramHaven, Instagram: HAVENTRIBALProgram.
