Centers Against Violence formerly Women’s Aid in Crisis is excited to announce Kimberly Shaffer as the Tucker County Outreach Coordinator.
Shaffer says she is new to her position and excited to be able to give back to our community and help in any way possible. Being Advocate in my hometown is rewarding. My office is in Parsons WV at the board of education building and my door is always open. You can also reach out by calling my office number 304-478-3338 or cell number 304-940-2444 if someone needs to text the cell number, they are welcome to.
Shaffer can offer resources to men, women, and children. Services are available to all, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, disability, economic status, sexual orientation, or national origin. • Advocacy services to adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. • Emergency shelter • 24 hour crisis hotline • Outreach services into communities of Randolph, Upshur, Braxton, Webster, Tucker and Barbour counties • Individual and group counseling and support services for adult victims, teens, and young children • Domestic violence screening for referrals to Legal Aid, and/or advocate accompaniment for Protection Order hearings • Prevention education programs within the schools and community organizations • Awareness activities • Information and Referral • Awareness presentations to schools, community and civic organizations • Life skills & parenting • Assistance with medical needs • Assistance to victims who are elderly and/or handicapped • Emergency transportation • Relocation services • Transitional housing *There is a fee associated with this service*
Sadly, a lot of people do not even know they are being abused or unable to identify the abuse that is happening to them. Maybe even unsure what the next step should be, and your Tucker County Advocate could offer services. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the above contact information. Just one of many things and partners, “Kim works closely with our magistrates if you are filing for Domestic Protection Order she can attend that with you and provided service during that process.” Coming forward for someone can very hard; victims often can be scared, ashamed and worried. Helping victims & survivors with safety, hope and healing.
Forms of Abuse
Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person to establish power and control over another person through the use of fear and intimidation, often, but not always, including the threat or use of violence.
Emotional Abuse: Most victims of emotional abuse agree that even though it does not leave physical scars and cannot be seen, emotional abuse can have long lasting effects that are often as damaging, if not more damaging than physical abuse. The use of insults and put downs, intimidating behaviors, humiliation, and isolation are some of the more hidden signs that a relationship is abusive. Abusers often maintain power over others through words and actions which lower self-esteem, leaving the victim feeling helpless, hopeless, or unworthy.
Physical Abuse: Abusers often hurt victims in ways that can’t be seen, such as leaving marks or bruises on areas of the body that are hidden by clothes. Physical abuse can also include restraining (to limit movement), or depriving a victim of sleep, medical attention or food. More obvious physical signs that a relationship is abusive include being slapped, kicked, punched, pushed or choked. Physical violence may be common or not happen often, but almost always gets worse over time.
Economic Abuse: Money is another method of power and control used by abusers. Not allowing the victim to have money or refusing to pay the bills are examples of economic abuse. If the victim works outside the home it is common for the abuser to create problems in their workplace, and to take control of their paycheck. In many cases the victim is forced to work, while the abuser does not. If the abuser works, there may be a long history of being fired from one job and then another.
Sexual Assault: Being forced to have sex against your will is rape. It is still rape even if the person who forces you is someone you are married to, living with, or is a former or same sex partner. Sexual assault occurs when “No” is conveyed by one person, is ignored by another, and sexual penetration occurs anyway. This form of abuse degrades, humiliates, and causes pain to another person through the use of force, threats or intimidation.
ALL SERVICES ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE.
