domestic violence

For those who don’t already know, February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month! Family Tree is working toward ending the cycle of violence in teen dating by talking directly with youth in our community. Advocates from Family Tree’s Domestic Violence Outreach Program work closely with Jefferson County schools and students to help promote a safe school culture.

It can be incredibly difficult and frustrating to know someone you love is experiencing abuse and it can be even harder to feel helpless trying to support them. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and Family Tree would like to provide ways you can help or support a teen you know that is experiencing dating violence.

Carla Castillo, a former participant in the Family Tree Parenting Time Program, recently shared her story of experiencing cycles of domestic violence, becoming empowered to make a change and how Family Tree helped her family find stability.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Family Tree wants our community to be aware of not only the prevalence and impacts of domestic violence, but how you can help in our mission to help people overcome domestic violence, child abuse and homelessness.

“I’m afraid for myself, I’m afraid for my son. We need a safe place to heal.

“My 8-year old son, Ethan, and I broke ties with my husband due to his violence. We found an apartment and were living on our own, until one night when my husband broke in.

“He destroyed our apartment and physically threw me around. It was all such a blur – I couldn’t call for help. Fortunately, the neighbors heard and called the police. They found me on the floor and my husband was gone. Worst of all, Ethan saw the whole thing.

Robin describes herself as “feeling as broken as you can get” when she first came into seek services at Family Tree’s Legal Advocacy. This feeling that Robin described is not an uncommon feeling for many survivors of domestic violence, especially those who choose to pursue their case legally through a Protection Order, divorce, or custody matter.

Family Tree is pleased to announce the name change of Women In Crisis, the domestic violence emergency shelter, to Roots of Courage. This change is part of a continuing effort to be more inclusive and focused on empowerment for those served by Family Tree. Shelter director Tirzah Stein, explains the need for this change.

When I was living in New York City and working at a domestic violence shelter, I would ride the subway every day on my way to work and back. There was a lot to be distracted by, the breakdancing kids with their flips and tricks, the chorus of elderly men that would make you smile with their sweet songs, and the brightly colored ads that would catch your eye. It was never dull, and usually entertaining, but what bothered me were the signs about domestic violence awareness. No matter what train I was on, the signs were always the same.