Last night, my husband and I attended the premier of the documentary “Crossroads: One Woman’s Path to Justice”. This is the story of a courageous woman and the inter-agency team, across 2 counties (Tehama & Shasta), that fought for justice – and her life. Corning Observer Article
courage (noun)
the ability to do something that frightens one
Every person in Lisa Dawson’s path to freedom – the dispatcher, officers, advocate, doctors, investigators, attorneys, counselors – had to play his or her role perfectly to get and keep the attacker in custody and ensure the victim felt safe enough to take every next step.
When the movie is publicly available, I will share how you can watch it. In the mean time, I wanted to share some important information about local resources and what you can do if you know or see someone being abused.
Shasta & Tehama counties both have organizations who work with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office to help victims of domestic violence. GET TO KNOW THEM! Check out their websites and learn about the programs they have available.
Some of the resources available through Empower Tehama & One Safe Place are listed below.
- Emergency & Transitional Housing
- Crisis Counseling
- Victim Advocacy
- Prevention & Education & Intervention
- Sexual Assault & Trafficking Programs
- Community Outreach
See their websites for additional information and other resources & programs.
Empower Tehama 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 530-528-0226
One Safe Place (Shasta) 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 530-244-0117
How YOU Can Help
Whether you have a friend you think is being abused or your see signs of abuse in a stranger, most of us have no idea how to help. Fear for their own safety or of putting the victim in further danger often prevent bystanders from getting involved.
Knowing both what to do and when to do it can be a tricky combination. Below are my thoughts along with a few links on how and when to get involved.
Start by learning what local resources are available. Keep the Crisis Hotline numbers in your phone or on small slips of paper to share with someone who needs help.
Call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger.
Helping Someone You Know
- Contact Empower Tehama or One Safe Place – they do this every day and can advise you on how to help
- Let the victim know you are concerned about their safety – ask if they need help and tell them about local resources
- Offer a ride to one of the organizations listed above
- Explain that free, confidential help is available help for victims and their children
- Let them know they’re not alone
- Be patient – the mental control abusers have over their victims is difficult to understand; it may take numerous efforts for a victim to get help
- The most dangerous time is when a victim leaves an abusive relationship – professional advocates can help them create a safety plan so when they are ready, they don’t have to try and figure out where to go
Helping a Stranger
- Assess the situation – engaging may be unsafe for you and the victim
- Discreetly make eye contact with the victim – they may be feeling very alone and isolated, let them know you see them
- If you can safely do so: ask, whisper, or simply mouth “are you ok?” or “do you need help?”
- Be an active witness
- Make note of descriptions, details and vehicle information
- Take photos or videos (if you can do so safely and discreetly)
- If you don’t think 911 is warranted, but you think they need help, go to an area you can talk privately and call Empower Tehama or One Safe Place and ask for their advice
Tehama Citizens for Freedom 