When Athens County deputies arrive at the scene of a domestic violence case, one woman, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, can be their greatest asset.
Crime scene advocate Cheryll Garvin has seen hundreds of ripped blouses, swollen eyes and bruised children in the 11 years she has worked with the Athens County Sheriff's Office.
The one thing that bothers me still is the children
she said.- she said. It's happens more than we know.
Many victims do not come forward about their abuse because they fear the police will not protect them, lack family support or are embarrassed by their situation, Birchfield said.
The rural environment isolates abuse victims in Athens County. Neighbors might not be able to hear cries for help from several miles away, said Kate McGuckin, executive director of My Sister's Place, a local shelter and advocacy group for victims of domestic abuse in Athens, Hocking and Vinton counties.
Abusers cultivate dependency and fear in their victims by making the abused feel like the hitting and scars are necessary punishments for poor behavior or inadequacy, McGuckin said.
The unknown can prevent victims of domestic abuse from getting help, Garvin said.
What's scarier: knowing you are going to get a beating or leaving home alone with no job skills? Garvin asked.- Hall said.
Controlling boyfriends can be just as dangerous as domestic abusers, Hall said.
Almost everyone knows someone involved in domestic violence
Garvin said. But until it hits home
people don't pay attention.
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Jessie Balmert
