October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and during this time domestic violence shelters worldwide are raising awareness of the dramatic and often deadly experiences of victims of domestic violence.
Angel Wings Out-Reach Center has been providing emergency temporary shelter and victim services to individuals who are seeking a way of escape from their abuser. Located in Simpson County, the shelter has been a continuing lifeline for hundreds of victims of domestic violence for 27 years.
Domestic violence is a widespread public health problem that includes various kinds of abuse. COVID 19 has not lessened the number of domestic violence cases within the United States. Even with the slight decrease in victims coming into the shelter, there has been an increase in domestic violence calls. Executive Director Lanza Wendy Seals stated, “I feel the reason for this reverse is that the pandemic condition has caused the victim and the abuser to spend more time together, which leaves the victim even more isolated and unable to escape the abuse.
In 2020 AWORC provided emergency shelter services to 55 victims, 68 personal crisis intervention sessions and 1680 nights of service. In-spite of the pandemic AWORC will continue increasing Out-Reach Awareness programs through Zoom in hopes of reaching victims who need our services.
If you would like more information about Angel Wings you may visit their website: angelwingsoutreach.org
