<![CDATA[Beacon of Hope Crisis Center

<![CDATA[Beacon of Hope Crisis Center - Blog]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 22:04:03 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Grateful and Focused]]>Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:17:51 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/grateful-and-focusedBy: Sandra Ziebold

Over the past five years despite societal, pandemic, and economic struggles Beacon of Hope Crisis Center has had the privilege of serving over 6,130 women, men, children, and pets in need through our free services and programs.

We feel incredibly grateful.

Your support keeps our programs moving forward to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault become self-sufficient by providing them with safety, education, and support.

Our focus in 2024 is on resiliency, and continued enhancement of safety, education, and support surrounding the risk and impact of traumatic brain injury which can result from blunt force head trauma and strangulation victimization amongst those we serve. We will continue to build on our strengths, providing outstanding human services advocacy programming, collaborative partnering, and evidentiary understanding that domestic and sexual violence are often a medical emergency.

]]><![CDATA[Essential Services and Trauma-Informed Care]]>Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:53:32 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/essential-services-and-trauma-informed-careBy: Cheyenne Taylor and Savannah Archer

Trauma-informed care describes an approach in health care and social sectors that reviews a person's life experiences to provide the most effective outcomes. At Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, we understand that each victim is different and unique and has varying preferences for how they would like to be supported. We recognize that we will not hear every detail of a victim’s background and that every person we encounter has their own story and history of trauma. We let victims lead and never force them to do anything. Victim advocates show up to help victims learn about abuse, identify options, and make personalized plans that meet their needs. We do our part to give them the tools to empower them to make the best decisions for themselves. Victim advocates also do their part to engage in continued training and education to help victims in whatever they face. For example, victimization from an intimate partner increases a victim’s risk for depression, PTSD, substance use, and suicidal ideation (National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health). The effects of domestic violence and sexual assault can be more complicated by factors including mental health, addiction, ability, race, immigration status, cultural beliefs, and more. Keeping these things in mind encourages us to check in with victims physically and mentally. This is also why we’ve enhanced our adaptability to serve all victims. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center has translated materials to raise awareness, interpreters are readily available, and our website has integrated Recite Me assistive technology to enable our web visitors to customize their digital experience to suit their needs.

The impacts of COVID-19 have also put additional stress on victims and their families. Victims are struggling to find housing, employment, and healthcare. These are all essential to maintaining independence and alleviating mental health crises. We are grateful to offer victims free domestic violence and sexual assault counseling. However, some victims need mental health resources with treatment for different conditions, medication, and an approach with a healthcare team. Victim advocates have also strengthened healthcare referral options, including helping victims obtain insurance, connect with a primary care doctor, access emergency healthcare, and, when necessary, connect to specialists for head, neck, and strangulation injuries. We help victims find affordable housing and new and better employment, learn about credit, and work toward their financial goals. To do those things, mental and physical health come first. Many victims are used to ignoring or pushing their own needs aside. Through the intake and follow-up process, we encourage victims to care for themselves, as it is an essential part of their healing journey. We could not make progress for those in need without building rapport, listening, and recognizing there is always more to learn.

We often see that when a victim contacts us for help, it is not the first time they experienced victimization. Children who witness violence have a higher chance of experiencing abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves. Additionally, people who have experienced abuse previously in relationships have a higher risk of revictimization (National Library of Medicine). Asking about their history of violence can help us identify solutions, which might help them process current and past trauma. No matter how long it has been since the abuse occurred, victims deserve access to confidential support, free services, and help navigating the next steps without judgment. There are no timeline criteria for victims seeking our services. Whenever they are ready, we are there to listen and believe them.

Make a Donation to Support Victims

]]><![CDATA[Early Intervention Reduces Felony Assaults and Domestic Homicides]]>Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:21:02 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/early-intervention-reduces-felony-assaults-and-domestic-homicidesBy: Cheyenne Taylor and Sandra K. Ziebold

When discussing crime and prevention in domestic violence, we must discuss escalation. Escalation describes when abuse intensifies, either suddenly or gradually. It can also include perpetrating another form of abuse. Victims might stay with their abusers because they believe they can "handle" the abuse. They think things will improve and be how they used to be or blame themselves. When abuse escalates, victims might start realizing they do not have control and feel trapped in the relationship. Escalation also occurs when victims are considering leaving or have attempted to end the relationship. Reports show that 75% of all serious injuries in abusive relationships happen when the victim ends the relationship (National Domestic Violence Hotline). Identifying abuse is happening is the first step to getting help, but finding the courage to leave with limited self-confidence can be extremely challenging. We encourage victims to connect with supportive services to plan their exit, discuss the abuse to build their network, speak with professionals, and take necessary belongings when fleeing. Abuse thrives behind closed doors. Perpetrators of domestic violence rely on the silence of their victims to keep them trapped in the cycle of violence. As allies, we can all be there to listen and believe victims who come forward to report, seek help, or talk about their experiences.

The cycle of abuse: Tension builds, abusive incident, honeymoon phase, calm then it repeats. / Understanding why victims stay: fear of retaliation, fear of being outed, embarassment or guilt, children, pets, isolation, finacnial dependence, religion, lack of knowledge, fear or resistance to significant life change, normalized/rationalized the abuse, leanred helplessness, they don't recognize it as abuse, justifying the abuse, nothing physcial has happened yet, they genuinely love their abusers, belivee things will change, have no friends of family to turn too, afriad of being alone, have been told that no one else will love them, believe there's no one better, mental illness, disabiltiy, substance abuse

Support Our Work

Our efforts here at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center are heavily focused on those most at risk of violent domestic violence victimization. In partnership with law enforcement, we are helping to reduce violence and the chance of felony assaults and domestic homicides by working to intervene early before domestic violence escalates.

Providing victims with intervention and prevention services helps to reduce crime in our community. It can take approximately seven attempts before a victim permanently leaves an abusive partner. Many factors are at play, and the risk of death is highest when fleeing. The earlier we can intervene and provide mitigation options for all the barriers facing these victims before the violence escalates, the better for us all. The harm to pets, children, and primary victims is exponential, and with each passing day and traumatic incident, the damage compounds. It's more than the horrific long-term trauma, physical life-altering harm inflicted on many and the risk of death; it is also the shaping of the minds and behaviors of the silent witnesses to these crimes. Many children are at significant risk because they witness this model of unhealthy relationship behavior, and sadly, many then become victims or abusers. We must do all that we can to help break the cycle. By intervening early, we can help the primary and secondary victims by giving them the chance for a new, safe life free from the grip of domestic violence.

When we can intervene early and get victims safe before domestic violence escalates, we are helping to reduce violence and the chance of felony assaults and domestic homicides. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center served 1,430 new victims of crime in 2022. While serving those new victims, we provided 35,580 case management services and 12,022 follow-ups to existing survivors seeking services. To better serve those in need in our community, we continue to enhance our services, intake process, and accessibility.

Out of the 1,430 new victims that requested assistance, two hundred and three disclosed that they were homeless, thirty-four that they were in a same-sex relationship, one hundred and twenty-seven had a disability, sixty-eight had limited English, twenty-eight were undocumented, six were deaf, six were veterans, and forty-eight were pregnant. Six hundred and eight out of the one-thousand four-hundred and thirty cases had children living in the home, and two-hundred and three of the one-thousand four-hundred and thirty had DCS involvement where the child/children were the victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault or witnessed the violence.

Domestic violence is not just physical. It can be emotional, verbal, financial, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and social. Often, in the cycle of abuse, as abusive situations escalate, things do become physical. The prevalence of head trauma and events of strangulation are unfortunately high in this population. It makes screening for brain injury in the intake process when working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence crucial. Too frequently, this is not identified or not identified timely and prolongs the suffering of those who have sustained this trauma. As mentioned earlier, we continue to improve our intake process. This is very exciting because we are asking the right questions, and we need to ask them to intervene in a timely manner. This means that our enhanced intake process is identifying those who have sustained head and neck trauma and strangulation victimization faster. When a victim meets the criteria for critical medical imaging and potential brain injury assessment, we educate them about the medical emergency and refer them for critical medical services. This is a life-saving measure, and we are so proud of this innovative approach!

In addition to our intervention and prevention services giving victims access to safety and services and helping to reduce the escalation of crime by abusers, it also can lead to reduced runs by law enforcement to 911 domestic calls. Every time an officer responds to a domestic, the risk of harm to the officers increases with each repeat call because violence escalates. Additionally, men who strangle women are the most dangerous men on the planet. Data shows that cop killers and mass murderers almost always have a history of strangling victims. According to Casey Gwinn, President and Co-Founder of Alliance for Hope International, “Domestic violence stranglers, usually after being trauma-exposed children, are the why of mass murders, and guns are the how." We must intervene as early as possible; we must continue to try to intervene as many times as needed. We must offer prevention services and provide access to everyone; that is critical to mitigate barriers. In 2022, our agency served 301 new victims who reported strangulation victimization in one year. We continue to see a high monthly average of those we serve reporting strangulation victimization. Our intervention and prevention services unequivocally are vital to crime reduction, and a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach is how we best serve those in need.

Strangulation trends from 2020 to 2022. Our agency saw a 19% increase in victims who experienced strangulation from 2020 to 2022.

One of the main ways we intervene and prevent further violence is by educating victims on escalation, dangers of strangulation, safety planning, and much more. The more knowledge a victim has in their pocket, the better they can anticipate their abuser's actions, what that means for their safety, and how to respond accordingly. Victims unaware of the dangers often experience multiple strangulation events and think they are OK. They might experience behavior changes, headaches, vision issues, and other symptoms due to the trauma to their head and neck. Victims often turn away the option of seeking immediate medical care due to a lack of education and knowledge about the risks they are facing. We are here to help victims learn, access help, and change the course of their lives. In many cases, we prevent felony assaults and domestic homicides.

Make a Financial Contribution to Help Victims of Crime

]]><![CDATA[The Impact of Technology-Facilitated Abuse on Victims of Domestic Violence]]>Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:14:27 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/the-impact-of-technology-facilitated-abuse-on-victims-of-domestic-violenceBy: Cheyenne Taylor and Savannah Archer

The Impact of Technology-Facilitated Abuse on Victims of Domestic Violence. Victims of domestic violence endure a high percentage of stalking and harassment victimization during and after a relationship ends.

Victims of domestic violence endure a high percentage of stalking and harassment victimization during and after a relationship ends. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center saw a 47% increase in victims who experienced stalking and harassment from 2020 to 2022. Specifically, technology-facilitated abuse has been on the rise. Victims have reported abusers tracking their phone activity and location through apps, tracking their physical location with the use of Tile Trackers and Apple Air Tags, improper use of other GPS devices, monitoring inside their homes with hidden cameras, misuse of doorbell cameras for surveillance, and other devices manipulated to perpetrate abuse. Our agency can now assist with checking a victim's vehicle for tracking devices; if found, that information can be reported and added to a protective order request for the court's consideration. We are also seeing victims report that abusers are using different apps to send messages when phone numbers or emails are blocked. Stalkers use apps such as social media platforms, banking, school sites, and other sites that don't always have traditional means of blocking content. Victim advocates complete training to help victims create technology and social media safety plans. There is no time to waste when it comes to securing accounts.

Our agency saw a 47% increase in victims who experienced stalking and harassment from 2020 to 2022.

Technology abuse is prevalent in our increasingly digital society. When abusers cannot access victims in person, they often use technology to monitor, harass, and stalk the victims. This gives abusers more access to perpetrate harm without disrupting their own lives and responsibilities. In one study, the National Network to End Domestic Violence reported that 71% of abusers monitor victims’ device activities, and 54% download stalkerware onto their partners’ devices. It is debilitating for a victim's mental health and affects their ability to utilize technology how the average person does: to take a break from their stressors. When the victim spends significant time at home, like following a medical procedure, working remotely, or during a global pandemic, abuse can become more pervasive. Reports show that the pandemic increased the rate and severity of technology abuse experienced. The pandemic also impacted abusers’ free time due to the loss of employment and working from home, which allowed them to modify or explore technology in new ways to harm victims. Technology abuse has been on the rise, and as technology develops and changes, so will the methods that abusers use to cause digital harm. Commonly, technology abuse can look like tracking devices, harassing messages, demands for intimate pictures or photos, and publishing private information about the victim. Spoofing is another example of technological abuse where the abuser disguises their messages or phone number to impersonate someone or to get around blocked contact settings.

Click HERE to make a financial contribution to help victims

We are focused on enhancing prevention and safety planning for all victims at risk of technology-facilitated abuse. Senate Bill 161 passed, and Indiana now has a new law, unlawful surveillance. This bill adds a prohibition against using a tracking device to the list of conditions a court may impose when issuing a protection order. It also increases the penalty for stalking to a Level 5 felony if the offense is committed using a tracking device. A person who knowingly or intentionally places a tracking device on an individual or the individual's property without the individual's knowledge or consent commits unlawful surveillance, a Class A misdemeanor, unless certain exceptions apply, and increases the penalty to a Level 6 felony if the person is the subject of a protective order or has certain prior convictions. This change in the legislature establishes sentence enhancement if a person uses a tracking device to commit or facilitate the commission of a crime. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center will continue to advocate for victims, adapt to the changing times, and request improvements in the legislature to hold abusers accountable.

]]><![CDATA[Welcoming Our New Board Chair, Jennifer McCloud!]]>Sun, 01 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/welcoming-our-new-board-chair-jennifer-mccloud

Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer McCloud as the new Chair of our Board of Directors. An experienced nonprofit leader in the Indianapolis community, Jennifer currently serves as Vice President of Development and Marketing for Steward Speakers, Inc., and is also a member of the leadership team at The Indianapolis Foundation. Jennifer formerly served as the Director of Chancellor's Office Operations at Ivy Tech Community College. She knows that it takes vision, creativity, and strategy to transform and support mission-focused organizations toward sound sustainable outcomes. She intuitively creates organizational cultures where operational effectiveness is enhanced by developing staff and preparing them to better understand the interconnectedness of operational areas, enhancing collaborative efforts, while achieving strategic goals, developing others, and creating advantage. Attuned to creating legacies, she welcomes and looks for opportunities to build future leaders and develop initiatives that further support long-term sustainability.

Jennifer was initially appointed to BOHCC's Board in 2021, serving most recently as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Jennifer is drawn to the innovative work being done at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center that focuses on reducing crime. She understands that when we can intervene early and get victims safe before domestic violence escalates, we are helping to reduce violence and the chance of felony assaults and domestic homicides. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center appreciates Jennifer’s continued leadership on the Board in her expanded role and the contributions she will make toward the continued growth and success of our work serving victims of crime.

]]><![CDATA[The Angel Michael Award]]>Sat, 30 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/the-angel-michael-award

Our Chief Executive Officer was honored recently by the Benedict Inn Sisters of St. Benedict. All of us at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center are so grateful for Sandy’s leadership and are very proud that she was nominated and selected to receive this deserved award. She received the Angels of Grace – Angel Michael Award! In her speech at the awards luncheon to the hundreds of attendees, Sandy spoke with the spirit of our agency, she educated the room, moved those listening from laughter to tears, and shared about our ongoing and amazing innovative work serving victims of crime.

“I am honored to receive this recognition. Thank you for this kindness. Thank you to all the Benedictine Sisters for the generous work that you do every day. The Angel Michael Award – Defender of the dignity and goodness of others! Wow – that IS what I do – but certainly not alone – I may lead this organization, but it is full of individuals with servants' hearts, and they too are defenders alongside me! This job is hard, and it is so amazing to be recognized for it! Saving lives and improving the quality of life for so many is why we do what we do every day and that is so truly rewarding!” – Sandy Ziebold

]]><![CDATA[National Night Out 2023]]>Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:20:56 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/national-night-out-2023

Beacon of Hope Crisis Center team members went out into the community to join our law enforcement partners at National Night Out events. We enjoyed getting the opportunity to participate and see everyone come together. Thank you for another year of great events!

]]><![CDATA[Increase The Penalty For Animal Cruelty]]>Wed, 12 Apr 2023 21:22:46 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/increase-the-penalty-for-animal-crueltyBy Sandra K. Ziebold

Indiana HB 1306 is a wonderful bill that should pass and could do so much more. This bill would increase the penalty for killing a law enforcement animal to a Level 5 felony. It could also fix the previously missed opportunity to increase the penalty for animal cruelty if amended to include any acts of animal

cruelty committed with the intent to threaten, intimidate, coerce, harass, or terrorize. Earlier this year Indiana SB 41 would have increased the penalty for animal cruelty from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony if the act was committed with the intent to threaten, intimidate, coerce, harass, or terrorize. The bill did not get a passing vote by the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.

I disagree with the majority vote and with the proportionality reasoning basis given for the majority decision. I hope after further thought that the Senators with proportionality concerns reconsider their perspective. Raising the punishment for animal cruelty acts committed with the above-outlined intent does not mean that the punishment for other offenses would then need to be raised in response. Raising the other punishments should only happen if those crimes deserve harsher punishment. There is case precedent after case precedent showing animal cruelty precipitates escalated horrific crimes.

Barely giving a consequence to someone that kills an intimate partner's pets to let them know they better not leave is not victim-centered and such a person deserves more than a felony 6. In my opinion, felony 5 isn't harsh enough as the intended victim was a human and will never feel safe from this abuser that was further empowered by minimal consequence. Additionally, in the particular situation that I am referencing two large animals died and that is three total victims. These horrific cases of harm to animals to exert power and control over victims happen all the time and we need to do more. Thank you, Senator Ford, for authoring this bill and for trying. I do hope there is another path forward to increase the penalty for animal cruelty.

If you or someone that you know is trying to break free from the grip of domestic violence and your pets need to be temporarily kept safe our Foster Pet Program can help. We will get them any necessary veterinary care and you will be kept informed while you and your pets are healing. Once advocacy services are received enabling you to get independent and self-sufficient you will be reunited with your pets.

We are actively taking new pet victims that meet the program criteria.
We are always in need of pet foster family partners.

]]><![CDATA[An Amazing 7-Year Legacy]]>Fri, 03 Mar 2023 19:55:30 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/an-amazing-7-year-legacy

Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is celebrating another fantastic year with Sandra Ziebold, our Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Over these last seven years, she has been an exceptional leader and voice for the victims that we serve. Navigating during an ongoing pandemic has not prevented her from growing the agency, building secure, lasting partnerships, and ensuring victims have access to all our services. She has gone above and beyond to ensure that no matter what barriers a victim may face, our team can assist and help break those barriers.

Our programs have continued to expand over the past year because of Sandy’s determination, dedication, and commitment to the accessibility of services for all domestic violence and sexual assault victims, both human and pet alike. Most recently, expanding language services. She dedicated time last year to creating and implementing an accessibility tool. This tool makes navigating our website easier for people of all capabilities, languages, and more. This labor of love has already made strides in helping people in our community. She has also continued to prioritize the health and wellness of her team throughout the ongoing pandemic.

She has been a pillar in the community, serving as a witness expert in court, a mentor for interns and volunteers, a source of wisdom and education about domestic violence and sexual assault, and much more for all of the agency. We have continued to grow strong as an agency and increase the number of survivors we serve due to her staunch leadership and endless compassion for those in need. Thank you, Sandy, for your continued dedication to our agency, the community, and all survivors.

We look forward to another fantastic year with you leading the agency! Happy Work Anniversary!

]]><![CDATA[Looking Ahead: a message from our CEO]]>Sun, 01 Jan 2023 22:16:06 GMThttps://beaconofhopeindy.org/blog/looking-ahead-a-message-from-our-ceo

A message about care, resilience, accessibility, and innovation.

Happy New Year, to all our Beacon of Hope Crisis Center team members, community partners, supporters, and survivor allies!

As we look back at 2022 and reflect on our hopes for the year ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to become self-sufficient by providing safety, education, and support for 2023. We want to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters and wish them the very best ahead.

2022 has been challenging for every individual, business, and society in general. The human and economic consequences of the past several years continue to compound and impact every facet of our lives, and the end to this struggle does not appear imminent. In these hard times, losses of significant grant funding, decreased donor support, increased societal demands, and shifts in how to meet the needs of so many have weighed heavily on our nonprofit. We have reached a level of lean that even we couldn’t conceive of previously, we have continued to serve our clients without fail and we have stayed vigilantly focused on protecting our people and making sure we did everything to ensure their wellness and safety.

During this time many things have changed, including shifts in societal priorities, and new ways to work, problem-solve, and communicate. While these changes have made it difficult for our team in many ways, the difficult times have also been an opportunity to assess, appreciate, and innovate. Our team has shown such care, dedication, resilience, agility, and strength throughout 2022, ensuring business continuity and exemplary service for our clients. It’s hard to believe despite all that transpired during the year what we were able to accomplish. Despite all the obstacles, we served a significant number of clients, increased accessibility for all, and improved the identification of urgent medical needs and survivor access to medical care. The data says it all and I am so proud. All of you continue to amaze me with your never-ending adaptability and I thank you for your diligence and for being exceptional in these times.

We may not be at the end of this struggle, but with every passing day, we are, getting closer to it. So, let’s stay positive, optimistic, and grateful. I hope you enjoyed the holidays and like me, are recharged and ready for 2023! In this new year, we will continue to evolve as an organization in new and exciting ways, without compromising our uniqueness, our values, our innovative approach, and our commitment to serving with quality. Let’s make 2023 the year that Beacon of Hope Crisis Center team members, community partners, supporters, and survivor allies rally together and increase support to help domestic violence and sexual assault survivors feel safety, kindness, and love!

Sandra Ziebold
Chief Executive Officer
Beacon of Hope Crisis Center

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