Cleveland: Domestic Violence Center fights to keep programs in tough times
October 12, 2009 18:20 PM
CLEVELAND -- As the economy dropped in 2008, calls for help to Cleveland's Domestic Violence Center went up. Unfortunately, the funding to help victims of domestic violence dropped considerably.
"We are bursting at the seams with demand for service," said Linda Johanek, Executive Director. "This economy is really tough, and while funding has gone down, the demand for service for domestic violence victims has gone up."
There were 14,000 calls for help in 2007, and 18,000 calls in 2008, Johanek said.
The near 30-percent increase is typical as local families struggle with the economy, she added. In hopes of maintaining local programs for victims of domestic violence, the center has launched its "1,000 Strong" campaign to offset funding costs.
"We are looking for 1,000 people to raise 20 dollars each," she said. "That would help raise $20,000 dollars that would go right into our programming so we can continue to serve victims of domestic violence."
Laura Cowan, a domestic violence survivor who now volunteers at the center, said keeping local programs strong is critical.
"Just getting the word out there will help. Lot of people don't know what to do or where to start," Cowan said. "A lot of women don't want to go through the judicial system. The judge and the court and getting a subpoena. They are that terrified. That's how much control (abusers) have over them."
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month.
For more information on the Cleveland Domestic Violence Center, visit www.domesticviolencecenter.org. The center's 24-hour hotline is 216-391-HELP.
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