In OK it’s worse to beat your dog than your wife?

THE CHAIRMANS’ Council of the YWCA has launched a campaign to raise millions for a new battered women’s shelter and program expansion, from left, Rita Moore, Marilyn Torbett, Kris Fankfurt and YW Executive Directory Jan Peery. Photo by Vicki Clark, okcFRIDAY

By VICKI CLARK

OKC FRIDAY

In Oklahoma, it’s a felony to beat your dog. It’s a misdemeanor to beat your wife. That’s not a bad joke. It’s a fact.

A core group of Fridayland women and men and women across the city are leading a $15 million capital campaign to enlarge the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter and turn around Oklahoma’s alarming statistics on domestic violence, resulting in part from these kinds of laws.



Members of the YWCA Capital Campaign Chairmen's Council are Tricia Everest, Kris Frankfurt, David Hudiburg, Rita Moore, Charlotte Richels, and Lela Sullivan.

Oklahoma ranks 11th in the nation for the number of women killed by men. One in four Oklahoma women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime.

More than 25,000 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Oklahoma last year from all income levels.

As the only shelter for battered women and their children in Oklahoma County the YWCA is able to shelter only a small frac-

[Continued on Page 2] tion of women and children last year who were victims of domestic violence, but assisted more than 15,000 through other programs.

But the number of women needing help is far greater than the YW’s facilities can currently accommodate. The YW’s current capacity is 52 beds in an emergency shelter. The campaign funds will build a larger shelter with 85 beds and repurpose the existing shelter into an extended stay shelter with 52 beds and renovate the McFarland Branch to provide greater access to counseling programs and crisis services.

The YW’s records show women will come to them seven times before they make a final break with the abuser, if they live that long. Women also, almost universally, initially think they can do better, not make him mad again or that it’s their fault.

Breaking the violence cycle is an enormous task which the YW tackles with a broad range of services. From emergency and immediate help to education, counseling and long-term planing, Crisis Services at the YWCA help women and children victims survive and thrive.

The Inez Kinney Gaylord Passageway Emergency Shelter is the only certified domestic violence shelter in the county. It provides safe, confidential emergency housing to more than 1,200 women and children every year.

Traditional housing is provided in seven apartments, where residents may stay for an extended period while completing required work or school training to rebuild their lives.

The Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Program is a partnership between the YW and the City of Oklahoma City to assist domestic violence and sexual assault victims through on-site assistance at the OKC Police Department, aiding victims in filing Victim Protection Orders and safety planning

Children’s Counseling is specialized care to the smallest victims of domestic violence. Up to 70 percent of the children in domestic violence situations are also abused.

Sexual Assault Support Services includes education, counseling, referrals and services provided to sexual assault and rape victims in the community.

SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) is a collaboration between the YW, metro area law enforcement, the district attorney’s office and three medical centers: Midwest Regional, Integris Southwest and Integris Baptist. While YW Hospital Advocates provide emotional support for victims, specially-trained volunteer nurses perform forensic examinations following sexual assault or rape. They collect, preserve and document evidence of sexual assault without re-traumatizing the victim during the extensive exam.

YWCA programs on domestic violence are offered to schools, churches, businesses and community organization with the goal of changing attitudes and breaking the cycle. A speaker can be schedule of calling, 405-424-4623.

Member of the YWCA Capital Campaign Advisory Committee are Meg Salyer, Barbara & Roger Simons, Ann Alspaugh, Lee Allan Smith, Bill Anoatubby, Bob Spinks,Rita Aragon, Wanda Swisher, Louise G. Bennett, Becky & Barry Switzer, Sam Bowman, Carol Troy, Sen. Cliff Branan, Tony Tyler, Zora Brown, Jim Vallion, Bill Citty, Roy Williams, Mayor Mick Cornett, Scott de la Garza, Drew Edmondson, Christy Everest, Dr. Joe Ferretti, Josie Freede, Nedra Funk, Sarah Hogan, Sherry Howell, Willa Johnson, Ann Johnstone, David Kallenberger, Cathy Keating, Judy Love, Desmond Mason, Brenda & Tom McDaniel, Jeaneen & Bob Naifeh, Beth & Paul Odom, Cynda Ottaway, Russell Perry, David Prater, Gene Rainbolt, and Bob Ross.









