Michelle Ogden
Michelle Ogden is a Library Assistant in the Reference and Local History Department at CDPL.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, families came together. It was a return to family cooking, bread baking, game night, and family book clubs. Gone was the nightly rush to get homework done between taekwondo, dance class, and soccer games. Things slowed down; families spent more time together and got to know each other better. However, domestic violence workers announced this period would see an increase in domestic violence. They warned of the increased need for systems to be put into place to safeguard people in need of services during the pandemic. For some families, the pandemic brought them closer while others were fractured by violence or emotional abuse. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) included the following statistics in their 2021 annual report: “Indiana saw a 181% increase in domestic violence-related homicides due to unemployment, underemployment, isolations, alcohol consumption, and greater access to firearms. 911 call centers reported up to an 87% increase in domestic violence calls and specifically, high call rates in zip codes that were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.” Those are staggering numbers. Helping people in Montgomery County and Crawfordsville are two organizations that work to protect people in unsafe environments: Pam’s Promise and the Family Crisis Shelter.
Pam’s Promise Transitional Housing is a three to six-month transitional housing program for homeless women and their children. The program encourages family rebuilding and independent living as it works side by side with clients to teach life skills and provide the necessary tools to end homelessness. In the year 2021, Pam’s Promise had over 150 inquiry calls from people looking for transitional housing. Pam’s Promise was able to house 26 women in that year. You can donate to Pam’s Promise on their website at: https://pamspromise.org/donate/
The Family Crisis Shelter has a mission to provide quality prevention and intervention services in a supportive environment and work to improve the rights of and services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Items that they always need are toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, tissues, laundry and cleaning supplies, razors, toothbrushes and other toiletries, storage bags, feminine hygiene products, towels (kitchen and bath), and twin sheets. If you would like to donate or help, call 765-362-2030.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Beginning October 15th, the library will feature a display on the second floor with books, movies, and information on domestic violence. Information about The Family Crisis Shelter and Pam’s Promise will be available too. The Crawfordsville District Public Library is a safe place for members of our community.
If you need more information about community resources, please stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor of the Crawfordsville District Public Library, or give us a call at (765)362-2242, ext. 117. You may also email us at ref@cdpl.lib.in.us. CDPL is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 AM to 9 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM.
