Posted: 7/11/06
HCWR hosts domestic violence training
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
More than 30 people attended a training session in Hokah July 6-7 called ìDomestic Violence 101.î
Houston County Women Resources hosted it in the conference room of their building at 114 Main Street.
The event, one of four presented statewide by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, dealt with advocacy for domestic violence victims.
Many of the attendees worked in the field of battered or sexually abused women. They said they wanted to network with others in the field, get a foundation or better understanding of the problem, and be more aware of the law and how it works.
One person identified herself as a survivor who just wanted to give something back to other survivors.
ìI know it will never stop,î she said during the introductions. But she wants to help women avoid abuse. ìTell them to get the hell out,î she said.
Sharon Rice Vaughn gave the opening presentation, called ìThe herstory and philosophy of the Minnesota Battered Womenís Movement.î
Itís a relatively new history, starting in the early 1970s. There have been both radical changes and no changes at all, Vaughn said. The problem of domestic violence still is on-going, she said.
Yet itís important to understand how far the movement has come and what a revolution itís been, Vaughn said. Understanding the need for safe housing was a big discovery during that time, she said.
Other topics covered at last weekís training included:
ï What is domestic violence;
ï Cultural competency and understanding white privilege;
ï Orders for Protection; Harassment Restraining Orders;
ï Voter engagement registration and safety for survivors;
ï Tips for working with the legal system,
For more information on the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, go to their website at www.mcbw.org. The group, which was founded in 1978, is located in St. Paul.
Local history important too
Houston County has a long-standing advocacy group, Houston County Womenís Resources (HCWR), that works on the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault.
It officially registered as a non-profit corporation in July of 1984, after several years of grassroots organizing. It was first located in the former Caledonia Hospital and Clinic, then in the basement of the Sprague Bank in Caledonia before moving to Hokah in 1996.
A transitional housing program was added in 1995 with the rental of a 3-bedroom home. In January of 1998 the June Kjome Place opened in Caledonia for women and children left homeless by domestic violence. The apartment building at 608 East Park Street serves seven families with support services available on-site.
More information on HCWR can be found at their website, www.hcwrmn.homestead.com, or call 507-894-2676.
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