Written by Emma Field, Tiane Davis and Emma Weber \/\/ Graphic provided by Hope Cottage<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, executive director of the White County Domestic Violence Prevention Program Bobbie Boozer held a seminar with Dr. Andrea Morris yesterday in an interview-style discussion to inform the Searcy community about domestic violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pair held the discussion in the Anthony Wright Administration Auditorium from 7-8:30 p.m. and discussed four topics: the signs of dating violence, how it starts, the role of isolation and how we can help someone affected by it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boozer, who gave a talk last year for a social work class at Harding, said it is very important for everyone to be informed about any type of domestic violence because it is something that affects the community in multiple ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt actually costs the community,\u201d Boozer said. \u201cThere is a lot of loss associated with domestic violence. That\u2019s loss of wages, loss of work hours and loss of productivity \u2014 the worst thing being loss of life. It\u2019s a problem that we all have to deal with that we\u2019re all responsible for.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boozer said domestic violence is an issue of when a person\u2019s free will is violated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s really important for particularly Harding students and people in the faith community to recognize that free will is ultimately one of the greatest gifts we have,\u201d Boozer said. \u201cWe can\u2019t let one person\u2019s insecurities infringe upon the free will of another person. That\u2019s something that college-age adults really need to protect is that ability to make their own choices and not be controlled and dominated by another person.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Boozer and Morris spoke during \u201cTable Talk with Ella\u201d at chapel on Oct. 2. Domestic Violence Awareness Month was started in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 10 million people per year, that\u2019s about 20 people per minute, are affected by this epidemic; one in four women and one in nine men experience domestic violence. Types of abuse include: physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, verbal abuse, isolation and stalking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Andrea Morris, assistant to the provost for strategic initiative, said there are many common misunderstandings about domestic violence. Domestic violence happens regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, economic status or nationality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are misconceptions that it wouldn\u2019t happen at a Christian college or amongst Christians,\u201d Morris said. \u201cWe want our students and community to recognize the signs. It can happen in a manner that we aren\u2019t paying attention to.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Searcy community, White County Domestic Violence Prevention offers Hope Cottage as a sanctuary for those seeking healing after abuse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hope Cottage is equipped with a large security fence, high-tech security system, communal kitchen, living room and laundry room. They can house up to 15 people, and they provide food, linens and personal hygiene to individuals in need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morris said help and resources are available if students are experiencing domestic violence. Students can reach out to law enforcement, Public Safety, the Student Life office and the counseling office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirst, I want students to know it\u2019s not their fault, and they do not have to walk that alone,\u201d Morris said. \u201cThere are ways to get help. If there is a professor that you trust, I would encourage you to go to them and share.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Domestic violence can happen at any time, in any relationship. It is not limited to coming from a romantic partner. It can be between romantic partners, parents and children, and through technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPart of it is recognizing the signs,\u201d Morris said. \u201cSomeone who is suddenly \u2018absent\u2019 and withdrawing from normal activities are things to pay attention to. It\u2019s okay to step into their circle to probe a little bit. Scripture even says, \u2018We are to take care of one another.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manager at Hope Restored Janie Moore said the thrift store\u2019s purpose is to bring awareness to domestic violence prevention, with fact sheets throughout the store and interaction through sales and customer interaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said they \u201cjust support them and learn from places like us how to do that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All proceeds at Hope Restored Thrift Store go to supporting domestic abuse victims. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
People seeking help can call 1(800) 799-SAFE (7233), text \u201cStart\u201d to 88788 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline\u2019s website to chat with a live representative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hope Cottage\u2019s hotline number is (501) 278-4673.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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