Though chilly winds sent papers and one rogue balloon bouquet to flight, a few dozen people gathered at the Logan County Courthouse in Bellefontaine Friday morning, Oct. 14, to recognize those in the community who stand together in the fight against domestic violence.
Hosted by New Directions and Soteria House, part of the TCN Domestic Violence program, the annual event acknowledged volunteers, law enforcement and churches that help pull victims out of violent situations. From the dispatcher who takes the call and, often, has to listen to the horror on the other end of the line, to the officer rushing to the scene, to the advocate waiting to guide women and children to shelter, the battle to create a safer community is all-encompassing.
“We know many of you are expert professionals in your chosen field of work, protecting families against those who cause harm,” stated program manager Debbie Brownlee in her opening statement. “We hope the voices you hear today will give you even more resolve.”
Following an invocation given by Reverend Debra Ketchum from Lewistown-Trinity United Methodist Church (L-TUM), Brownlee invited Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler and Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram to present the Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation was signed by the three county commissioners and Stahler.
“One family at a time, one day at a time, we’re making a difference,” Stahler said after the reading. “Let’s keep locking arms, and let’s do this together.”
Brownlee then introduced the organization’s newest team member, Legal Advocate Casey Rhine, who handed out law enforcement awards to the Bellefontaine Police Department, Logan County Sheriff’s Office and Russells Point Police Department. BPD Police Chief Brandon Standley said law enforcement would be impossible if they didn’t know someone was at the other end to make sure victims received the resources they need.
Certificates of excellence for law enforcement communication centers were also handed out.
One highlight of the event was the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award. Though Brownlee credited the service of numerous area churches in support of Soteria House, this year’s attention focused on the work of Lewistown-Trinity United Methodist. The church has stood in the fight against domestic violence since 2016 when members Rich and Sandy Shaner brought the ministry to the council’s attention. From providing household items to raising thousands of dollars, L-TUM is, Brownlee said, “a small country church that has done big things.”
Ketchum and the Shaners were all in attendance to accept their award.
In conclusion, Brownlee presented their “most coveted” Liz Parker Community Hero award to United Way Executive Director Dave Bezusko. Created in honor of Parker, who worked as a victim witness advocate for the Logan County prosecutor’s office for six years and passed away in December 2017, the honor recognizes “the person in our community who rises above and beyond the call of duty,” something Bezusko has done for seven years.
“I think of him as the heart and soul of our county, and maybe you do too,” Brownlee said.
Soteria, according to Brownlee, is a Greek word that means spirit of safety and deliverance. In 2021, they provided services to 317 victims and their families, 93 of which lived at Soteria for a total of 3,179 days. They have a 93 to 100 percent success rate.
If you or someone you know is trapped in a violent relationship, please call Soteria House at (937) 404-2365 or their crisis hotline at (877) 394-1046. Brownlee recommends not directly confronting someone you feel is in such a situation.