Protecting Golden Belt families goes high-tech

FCC observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Web site launch

By STAFF REPORTS

 The Great Bend-based Family Crisis Center Inc. launched Tuesday its new Web site to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which runs through October. The site, www.familycrisiscntr.org, gives information about domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking, along with available services and contact information.

"The Web site allows us to reach a greater number of people in the 10 counties we serve and beyond. It creates a flow of information to our community partners, citizens and to victims who may not know that help is available," said Laura Patzner, center executive director. "The Web site is very exciting, but everyone needs to understand that accessing a Web site is not confidential and activity can be traced."

 Volunteer and employment information is also available on the site.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed throughout October every year. It began as a day of unity in 1981 to connect advocates who were working with battered women and their children across the country and has evolved into a month of activities that vary by community but with a common goal.

"We remember victims who have died due to domestic violence, we celebrate survivors who have broken free from the violence, and we honor those who work every day to end the violence in our homes, in our communities, in our nation and in our world," Patzner said.

Research conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University in August of 2007 indicates 10.1 percent of adult women in Kansas reported domestic violence victimization; when extrapolated to the Kansas census this would result in 106,419 adult female victims per year.

 Locally, the Family Crisis Center sees more than 600 survivors of domestic violence every year from the counties it serves. "The requests for services continue to grow. Our commitment is to provide accessible and confidential services to help survivors meet their needs."

The center provides advocacy and services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence 24 hours a day seven days a week in Barber, Barton, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties. Education and training for service providers and community members is available upon request.

To talk with an advocate, call the 24-hour crisis line, 620-792-1885, or the toll-free number, 866-792-1885. For more information about the agency, contact Laura Patzner at 620-793-9941.