Debbie Blank
The five-county Safe Passage domestic violence shelter located in Batesville “serves a need in this community,” maintains Dana Blank Row, the acting executive director since July.
“Sometimes I believe that people think ... (domestic violence) doesn't happen here because most of the victims are silent victims.”
The shelter’s board has broadened its scope to aid victims of family violence. The public may think of women as the stereotypical shelter visitors, but Row points out, “Sometimes elderly people are abused. We certainly would take a client like that.” Another scenario could be children being battered, but not by the mother. “We would take the mother and children.”
On Oct. 7 a very young family was staying at Safe Passage – a teen mom and her child. “Her abuser was her father. It does happen to young people. You don't have to be a middle-aged woman,” the director says.
Because the shelter and crisis phone line are open 24/7, “we just hired four new (part-time) support specialists.” They are among 10 full- and part-time employees.
Is the recession causing a rise in abuse? “I think ... from what we're seeing on police reports, there seems to be an upswing in the number of domestic violence cases. When the weather's real hot, around holidays when there's a lot of drinking, and when the economy is bad, you see a lot more domestic violence because there's a lot more stress in relationships,” answers Row, who was Indiana Women's Prison superintendent for 17 years before retiring in 2007.
“There have been 42 deaths of victims of domestic violence in Indiana this year so far,” according to community outreach coordinator Jan Barnes.
“We would love to have volunteers,” she reports. The persons who should enlist fall into three categories: working with clients and children at the shelter; fundraising and public relations; and assisting with children's and school programs.
According to Row, “We just don't have enough staff to send two people" to schools. A volunteer could help children's advocate Angela Krieger educate students about violence at home and while dating. Ideal volunteers to get on board would be retired teachers, the director thinks.
Safe Passage officers are President Nancy Marticke, Batesville; Vice President Dana Blank Row, Osgood; Secretary Terry Zinz, Versailles; and Treasurer Gandy Browning, Batesville. Other board members include Ryan King and Chris Lowery, Batesville; Ric Hertel and Tom Grills, Versailles; and Brian Messmore, Lawrenceburg.
They must oversee the $400,000 or so annual budget. “All of our funds come from either grants or donations,” according to Row.
Two events on the same day will add some dollars. The sixth annual No Excuse for Abuse 5K Run/Walk sponsored by the Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office is Saturday, Nov. 7, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Batesville Police Department. The $12 fees benefit Safe Passage. Registration forms are available at The Herald-Tribune and Southeastern Indiana YMCA.
"A Cup of Kindness" is the theme of a ladies’ lunch that Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Sherman House. “This is really kind of cool,” the director notes. Performing is a Prevent Child Abuse Indiana worker from Indianapolis who used to travel the comedy club circuit. “She's very, very good.” In addition to food and entertainment, women can shop at booths of artists discovered in Madison and Bloomington. The cost is $30. Details will be available soon.
People who want to support Safe Passage, but are unable to attend the events may send tax-deductible checks to Safe Passage, P.O. Box 235, Batesville, IN 47006.
Row adds, “One ... great asset (to get donated) would be a van. Now employees use their own vehicles to transport clients.”
“Just as every other not-for-profit in the last year or so (has found), the grant money has dwindled,” so now Safe Passage leaders must turn to local government agencies, businesses, organizations and citizens for financial aid.
“For so long, I feel Safe Passage was almost a secret. It was not high profile,” Row says. “My whole focus is to become a household word in the communities we serve.”
Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.
