Task Force Battles Domestic Violence
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Making an organized effort to combat what was called "a blight on our community" was the purpose of the Kosciusko County Domestic Violence Task Force, which met for the first time this morning.
Organized as a result of a Kosciusko Leadership Academy white paper by Andrea Halpin and Becky Moreno, the task force's purpose is to provide a way for all areas of the community to coordinate their efforts.
For example, law enforcement officers can work with school officials and members of the medical community to help set up screening programs for possible domestic abuse victims.
Kosciusko Superior Court James Jarrette told the task force that domestic violence may not be a visible problem in the community, but he believes it is widespread.
"And if you read the case reports that come through my office, it is also absolutely terrifying," he said. "The problem is huge, it is horrible and it needs to be addressed."
Jarrette cautioned the nearly 30 people present in Warsaw's city council chambers that it would not be easy to tackle such a serious problem: "It is grappling with the devil. ... This is not for the weak-hearted."
Moreno, the victims' assistance coordinator for the city of Warsaw, and Halpin divided the task force into subcommittees that will deal with separate aspects of the issue: public awareness and education, victims' services, law enforcement training and response procedures, and prevention. An executive committee will oversee the efforts of the subcommittees and the task force.
Staffed entirely by volunteers from the community, the task force aims to make the public aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in the area, and to make victims aware of the help that is available.
"We also want to provide avenues for people who know there's a problem and want to do something," Halpin said.
Moreno and Halpin developed a public service announcement that is airing on cable television as a first step in making awareness of domestic violence a countywide priority.
"The ones the police arrest are just the tip of the iceberg," Jarrette said. "I think it is a terrible blight on any community." [[In-content Ad]]
Making an organized effort to combat what was called "a blight on our community" was the purpose of the Kosciusko County Domestic Violence Task Force, which met for the first time this morning.
Organized as a result of a Kosciusko Leadership Academy white paper by Andrea Halpin and Becky Moreno, the task force's purpose is to provide a way for all areas of the community to coordinate their efforts.
For example, law enforcement officers can work with school officials and members of the medical community to help set up screening programs for possible domestic abuse victims.
Kosciusko Superior Court James Jarrette told the task force that domestic violence may not be a visible problem in the community, but he believes it is widespread.
"And if you read the case reports that come through my office, it is also absolutely terrifying," he said. "The problem is huge, it is horrible and it needs to be addressed."
Jarrette cautioned the nearly 30 people present in Warsaw's city council chambers that it would not be easy to tackle such a serious problem: "It is grappling with the devil. ... This is not for the weak-hearted."
Moreno, the victims' assistance coordinator for the city of Warsaw, and Halpin divided the task force into subcommittees that will deal with separate aspects of the issue: public awareness and education, victims' services, law enforcement training and response procedures, and prevention. An executive committee will oversee the efforts of the subcommittees and the task force.
Staffed entirely by volunteers from the community, the task force aims to make the public aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in the area, and to make victims aware of the help that is available.
"We also want to provide avenues for people who know there's a problem and want to do something," Halpin said.
Moreno and Halpin developed a public service announcement that is airing on cable television as a first step in making awareness of domestic violence a countywide priority.
"The ones the police arrest are just the tip of the iceberg," Jarrette said. "I think it is a terrible blight on any community." [[In-content Ad]]