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It's Not All Bruises & Broken Bones
10-25-2006
5:04 pm
As we wrap up National Domestic Violence Awareness Month it is appropriate that we address all aspects of this important issue. Most of the media attention is on the physical portion of domestic violence; however, the verbal, emotional and financial abuses can have much longer lasting effects. In fact, our clients have emphasized to us over the years that the emotional abuse they have received causes them the most long-term damage.
The 3rd District Court of Appeals covers the northwestern portion of Ohio including four Turning Point Counties: Crawford, Marion, Union and Wyandot. Because of the court’s recent ruling regarding the interpretation of the Marriage Amendment to the Ohio Constitution, there seems to be some concern as to who is eligible for assistance from Turning Point.
In the past, unmarried domestic violence victims were protected under the Ohio domestic violence law if the abuser was an intimate partner – regardless of marital or parental status. Under the new ruling, to have criminal charges filed the couple must be married or have a child together.
This is an appeals court interpretation and it is being brought before the Ohio Supreme Court in December for Oral Arguments. All of this is very confusing to most of the general public.
The most important thing to understand is that Turning Point will work with any victim of domestic abuse. Even if you are told by law enforcement or the legal system that your case does not qualify under the domestic violence statute, you can still receive Turning Point services.
Our shelter and our outreach services, including support groups and victims’ rights advocacy, are available for anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse of any kind. You do not have to file charges or even involve law enforcement. If you feel you are a victim, all you need to do is call our hotline and you will be put in touch with an advocate who will explain our services to you and let you know how we can help.
Please know that Turning Point offers a 24-hour hotline for ALL victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help or if you would like more information, please call (800) 232-6505 or (740) 382-8988.
Turning Point is a non-profit agency. Funding comes for a variety of sources including the United Way, the Crawford/Marion ADAMH Board, and the Delaware/Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
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