Story originally printed in the Vernon Broadcaster or online at www.vernonbroadcaster.com
Published - Friday, February 29, 2008
Fund-raising campaign underway to combat domestic abuse
The Vernon County Domestic Abuse Project, administered through the Family and Children's Center, is launching an awareness and fund-raising campaign called "Partnership for Peaceful Homes."
A raffle, which features a handcrafted queen size quilt, WORX hand drill, one night stay at Isle of Capri with two meals, $75 gift certificate from Village Market and $50 cash, is underway. The drawing will be held on March 26.
"This is about raising awareness of the domestic abuse project and the services available," said Lisa Hynek, domestic abuse project coordinator. "We call it 'Partnership for Peaceful Homes' because we want to partner with the community to address this issue."
The Vernon County Domestic Abuse Project offers individual counseling, group counseling, legal advocacy, public education and a 24-hour hotline, at 637-7007. All of the services are free of charge. If anyone needs the services, they may call the Family and Children's Center at 637-7052
Hynek said the domestic abuse project has been in existence since the mid-1970s. She said it was formed "by a handful of volunteers who saw the need to address this issue."
Hynek said the project does a lot for victims who come for help. For example, the victim may receive help to cover the cost of fuel to heat their home or the cost of gasoline.
"The money we raise will be spent in Vernon County on victims and their kids," Hynek said. "We help with gas, groceries... We realize there are food pantries and fuel assistance, but they only go so far. We fill in the gaps. We try to help with the coats and hats, too."
Hynek said in 2007 there were 77 incidents of domestic violence reported in Vernon County.
"The majority of domestic violence is not reported; it's a huge issue in the county," she said.
Hynek said peaceful homes are important. She said it affects how emergency rooms are used and the quality of education.
"When a child is safe, he is able to learn," she said.
If there is violence, Hynek said, a child is not able to learn as well because of the distractions at home.
"It will impact our jails, court costs and productivity." she continued. "Peaceful homes affect all of us."
"I want to believe that tonight when all the children in Vernon County go to bed, that their homes are peaceful. That tomorrow when these same children wake up, that they are greeted with a smile, have a good breakfast, go off to school," Hynek said. "This is what I want to believe. However, I know this is not the case for many children in our communities. I know that currently, many people live in violent homes, where fear rules and people are hurt with regularity.
"We want to change that," she continued.
The goal of the raffle is to have 500 people send in $10. For every $10 people contribute, their name will be placed in the prize drawing six times.
"Vernon County people are generous," Hynek said. "I know if they know our need, they'll rise to that need."
Anyone interested in having their name placed in the prize drawing, may send a check, made payable to Vernon County DAP, to: Vernon County DAP, P.O. Box 149, Viroqua, WI 54665.
Tickets are also available for $2 each.
Another fund-raiser for the domestic abuse project is planned for Saturday, April 26, at Vernon Vineyards, from 2 to 5 p.m.
The event features a silent auction, appetizers prepared by chef Monique Hooker and a wine tasting.
Tickets are $20 each, and may be reserved by calling Lisa or Jerilyn, at 637-7052.
All stories copyright 2006 Vernon Broadcaster and other attributed sources.