Volunteers work for alternatives to violence

Jennifer+Evan+Tess+Murray+hands+a+pamphlet+to+someone+seeking+help+at+Alternatives+to+Violence+of+the+Palouse%2C+Monday%2C+Sept.+15%2C+2014.

Jennifer Evan Tess Murray hands a pamphlet to someone seeking help at Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, Monday, Sept. 15, 2014.

A non-profit is holding a candle to violence on the Palouse.

Alternative to Violence on the Palouse (ATVP) is a non-profit, confidential organization that works to provide advocacy and support for victims and survivors of crimes such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse and stalking. Volunteers and workers provide support and information, and aim to give control of the situation back to the victim.

One student and domestic violence victim, whose name has been changed to Jessica in this story out of privacy concerns, utilized ATVP’s resources. Although she was scared at first, she said going to ATVP for help was a good choice.

“It’s rare to find someone that supports you and helps you that are on the outside like they did,” Jessica said.

In the last year nearly 4,000 local residents have called emergency hotlines seeking relief, support and guidance from the organization.

ATVP Executive Director Christine Wall joined the program in 1992 as a volunteer and a legal advocate for victims.

When Wall started working with ATVP she said they were “struggling behind closed curtains to help people,” adding that times have changed and the topic of violence is now talked about much more openly.

“A picture has emerged over the years of what violence is, which enables us to talk about how to deal with the crimes,” Wall said.

Some of the services offered by ATVP are 24-hour crisis hotlines, emergency shelters, support groups and counseling as well as child, legal and medical advocacy. Referrals and information about the options available are also offered.

All services provided by ATVP are free and confidential.

ATVP has provided support to men, women and children, as well as organized outreach programs and presentations for almost 26,000 people in the Palouse area in the last year.

While 90 percent of the people who call in for help are women or children, Wall noted that she has seen an increase in the amount of men who are opening up about being victims.

Those who work with ATVP have high levels of respect for everyone who comes in or calls for help, Wall said, adding, “We respect individual autonomy; everyone makes their own choices about their own situation.”

Most times in a case of domestic or sexual violence the crime is reported to a friend or family rather than the police or a resource such as ATVP.

Wall said many victims often fear the legal system and like to have assistance and guidance, or just someone to be there with them through that trying time.

“I wouldn’t have got the same information on my own,” Jessica said, adding that ATVP was very helpful with legal guidance and safety planning.

There are currently 21 volunteers and three interns working with ATVP. Volunteers help run 24-hour hotlines and work alongside interns at the many outreach, education and prevention programs ATVP does throughout the area.

Kayla Goss, ATVP volunteer coordinator, said working at ATVP has been a great experience for her.

“It is a great skill building opportunity and it brings awareness to a very important cause,” Goss said.

ATVP tables at events throughout the year, especially in October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to get information to the public and to let people know about their services.

“It is great experience getting to talk face-to-face with other coalitions and see what they are doing to help bring awareness as well,” Goss said.

ATVP is working with WSU during the Take Back the Night Rally on October 18, an annual rally, march and candle-light vigil on Glenn Terrell Mall to bring together the community in the cause against violence.

The annual Young Women Christians Association’s A Week Without Violence is also in October and focuses on raising awareness and educating the public about non-violent alternatives.

ATVP works with WSU and the University of Idaho and also involves the community in a program called Safe Haven.

Businesses that sign up and work in cooperation with ATVP get a poster to hang outside their establishment stating they are a Safe Haven where anyone can use the phone to call police or ATVP for help.

With ATVP and programs like Safe Haven, local businesses, churches and restaurants have the opportunity to contribute to making the Palouse safer and free of violence for those like Jessica.