TCN’s Domestic Violence Program offered a special outreach during its annual Awareness Month Ceremony Friday to thank its many community partners who play a large role in combating domestic violence in the community — from law enforcement to representatives from the local court system, prosecutor’s office and Logan County Children’s Services.
Debbie Brownlee, program manager, said it takes all of these partnerships to make a safer community for victims fleeing domestic violence and sexual assault situations. She invited leaders from each of the departments to speak to the attendees gathered at Union Station, 613 Hamilton St.
Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds and Bellefontaine Police Department Chief Brandon Standley provided a perspective of what it’s like to be the first responders on the scene of a domestic dispute. They related how their roles and training have increased in recent years to being able to better navigate and assist during these oftentimes volatile situations.
Law enforcement and others are able to refer victims to Soteria House shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Logan County, which marked its fifth anniversary this year. It is operated by New Directions of TCN Behavioral Health.
Bellefontaine Municipal Court Chief Prosecutor Crystal Welsh and Logan County Prosecutor Eric Stewart said they handle many domestic violence cases, which can be some of the most difficult to prosecute in court.
“We know that the victim may or may not be able to cooperate, depending on the situation,” Prosecutor Stewart said, relating the fear of retribution that victims may face.
Logan County Family Court Judge Natasha R. Kennedy and Logan County Common Pleas Court Felony Division Judge Kevin P. Braig related the seriousness of the domestic violence offense.
“Domestic violence is absolutely not tolerated in the family court,” Judge Kennedy said, also relating the difficult toll that the situation places on children and noting the guardian ad litem who are appointed to ensure that every child has a voice.
“For people in a pattern of domestic violence conduct, the serious offenders who end up in my courtroom, a judge cannot be squeamish about sending abusers to prison,” Judge Braig said, stating that he also ensures that all defendants also are required to be enrolled in batterer intervention as well to help reverse the cycle.
Lori King from the Ohio Rehabilitation and Corrections Department, Victim Division, provided insights into ways that her division is able to keep victims safe from their former abusers and the many programs that they can be connected to.
Brownlee and her staff helped to present several annual honors as well, including the Liz Parker Community Hero Award.
Parker’s daughter, Jenna Parker, and other family members helped to select three winners this year for the award that is named in honor of the longtime victim advocate at the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office, who passed away several years ago.
Logan County Assistant Prosecutor Alice Robinson-Bond was one of the award winners. She received a standing ovation after Prosecutor Stewart informed the crowd that just that morning, she had put away a domestic violence offender who had a pattern of abuse of about 30 years and involving at least seven different victims.
Fellow Liz Parker Award recipients are Logan County Prosecutor’s Office victim advocate Patty Fitzpatrick and Logan County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Donnie Day. Sheriff Dodds accepted the award on Sgt. Day’s behalf since he was unable to attend the ceremony.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Jodi McDonald for her tireless serve TCN’s Domestic Violence Program and the Soteria House, including her assistance in organizing birthday parties and special events for children at the house.
“There’s many people I want to thank, but I especially want to thank God for helping me find my purpose,” McDonald said when accepting her award.
For individuals facing a crisis situation, there is a local crisis line available at (877) 394-1046. The Logan County New Directions office can be reached at 593-5777.