Women Helping Women

In 1994, after hearing my then 16 year old daughter screaming in terror on the phone because she was being physically abused, I contacted Women Helping Women here in Cincinnati, OH. I knew nothing about DV. I was so impressed with their services, I decided to go through their 2 week training program and became a volunteer advocate. Over the past 22 years I have been a volunteer, employee, and a Board Trustee. In 2006, I created a Spring Gala called Light Up the Night and for the past 11 years have Chaired the Gala to help raise needed funds for this amazing organization. Women Helping Women provides FreE non-shelter services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. My daughter utilized their FreE services in 1995. They helped her get a Protection Order and in 1996 helped her get into the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter. One of her own daughters was shot in the back with a high powered pellet gun and has gone to Women Helping Women for assistance They accompanied her to court, helped with the protection order and helped her with a safety plan. I wish I could say she is out of danger but the cycle of violence is cunning and she is still in a violent relationship. I'm glad Women Helping Women exists because when she is finally ready to leave, Women Helping Women will be there to assist her.. Women Helping Women operates on a shoe string budget. They operate a 24 Hour Hotline, provide support groups, one on one crisis intervention, court accompaniment, assist with protection orders, hospital accompaniment for survivors of sexual assault as well as community outreach in our high schools. I cannot say enough about Women Helping Women. I am passionate about the mission and I do whatever I can to help them raise the funds they need. I've attached a picture of my daughter and me at this year's Light Up the Night 2016.