Local organizations support victims of violence

By Cali Doran, Jody Jakab, David Mallory and Jenna Leslie

BELLEVILLE – With the Take Back the Night event fast approaching, different organizations are making individuals aware of the resources that they have to offer for victims of violence.

The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Three Oaks and the Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District are all resources that are attending the event Thursday

Hélène Thibeault is a mental health services supervisor for the Trenton resource centre,  working with victims of violence and domestic abuse within the military community and the general community.

“The verbal and emotional abuse leave the longest scars,” said Thibeault.

The Trenton centre offers one-on-one counselling, as well as support for victims during court cases or through other transitions in life. It offers gift cards as financial support for people leaving a home or partner. Such support “breaks the isolation; it breaks the loneliness,” said Thibeault.

Elise Hineman is interim executive director at the Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District. Hineman started at the centre as a volunteer while completing her university degree. After graduating, she took on a full-time position and has never looked back. She works with both women and men who have been sexually harassed, assaulted or abused.

“They are deserving of accessing these services,” said Hineman.

The centre offers individual and group counselling, education services and services for people not directly affected, such as family, friends and partners. It also works with Paths of Courage, a program that helps sexual-assault survivors heal, transform and become empowered.

Another community resource for victims of abuse is the Three Oaks women’s shelter. It has 16 beds but can hold up to 21 with cribs and cots, said Jennifer Loner, the training and education co-ordinator. Three Oaks offers services such as a 24-hour crisis phone line, counselling, drop ins and a children’s outreach program:

For those suffering or in need of help, contact:

• Three Oaks: 613-473-1976; crisis line: 613-966-3074
• Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District: 613-967-6300; crisis line: 877-544-6424
• Trenton Military Family and Resource Centre: 613-965-3575