An Empty Place at the Table

By -
The exhibit of 'An Empty Place at the Table' was created in response to numerous domestic violence homicides in Lackawanna County in 1993. The first exhibit was created by the Women’s Resource Center, Inc., but it is used by many domestic violence centers and similar agencies across the nation. 'An Empty Place at the Table' shows the devastating effects of domestic violence and makes sure that the victims are not forgotten. In addition, the exhibit shows that domestic violence related homicides undoubtedly leave an empty spot at the table.

Transitions will be putting up Empty Place at the Table displays in many locations across Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties to remember individuals who lost their lives in due to domestic violence. The four people highlighted in the displays are Jean Sanders, whose life was taken by her grandson that she raised on Feb 17, 2013 at the age of 71; Destiny Spencer, whose life was taken by her fiancé and the father of her three children on Sept. 30, 2008 at the age of 27; Yeardley Love, whose life was taken three weeks prior to her college graduation from the University of Virginia by her former boyfriend on May 3, 2010 at the age of 22; and Marlee Reed, whose life was taken by her stepfather on Dec. 8, 2004 at the age of 4.

Display of "An Empty Place at the Table" at Emma's Food for Life in downtown Selinsgrove. This display was made possible through a generous grant by the Selinsgrove Area Community Foundation.
During the month of October there will be a display at Emma’s Food for Life in Selinsgrove from October 1st -14th.  There will also be displays at the Selinsgrove, Lewisburg, Sunbury, and Mount Carmel Libraries for the entire month. With the help of the Soroptomist Club, there will also be a display at the Campus Theater in Lewisburg. Along with the displays Hoss’s will be hosting a community night on October 15th where a percentage of the overall sales will go the organization. In honor of the lives lost due to domestic violence, there will be a Reception event at Susquehanna University's Degenstein Campus Center, Evert Dining Room, on October 28th. The reception will have guest speakers Chief Paul Yost of the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Deparment, Judge Michael Sholley of Union and Snyder Counties, and Marlee Reed’s grandparents, Donna and Melvin. 

 Written by Adam Hartman, Counselor/Advocate

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When Secondary Trauma Hits

By -
Image
Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress (STS), is “stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person.”   It is common among individuals that work directly with trauma victims such as, therapists, nurses, psychologists, police officers, first responders, animal welfare workers,  and anyone who helps others.  This includes family members and other informal caregivers.   How does one explain the effects of secondary trauma?  For me, it is an overwhelming feeling that words cannot describe.  It’s volumes of information that hold an emotional charge on my body, mind, and spirit on a daily basis.  Finding my way through secondary trauma has been a lifelong journey with many roadblocks followed by a light at the end of the tunnel.  At times, realizing that I am carrying the burden of someone else is nonexistent.  I continue to provide crisis counseling without a thought of the effec...
Read more

Anti Rape Undergarments Cannot Stop Sexual Violence

By -
Image
ARWEAR from ARWEAR on Vimeo . I would like to think that all of us want to solve the problem of sexual violence.   It impacts 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men.  It can have negative lasting effects on someone’s life.   We want to think of solutions, to be part of a solution, and yet there is only so much that we can do.   Well, someone has tried to do something; two women created ARWEAR and they are looking for funding.   I understand their purpose in trying to prevent sexual violence.  However, this is not going to solve the sexual violence problem for a variety of reasons. This product perpetuates the stereotype that sexual assault happens at night, by strangers or people you barely know (1 st date) and that something the victim did could have prevented the sexual assault.   This is not the case, as 73% of sexual assaults were committed by a non-stranger.   Even if they didn’t include that information in the pitch for funding, I do...
Read more

Matthew Sandusky to Speak at Lewisburg Area High School on April 27th

By -
Image
Studies show that as many as one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse by the age of 18.  Nine out of ten child abuse victims know the abuser.  Child sexual abuse can have long-lasting impacts on the victim, including behavior problems, poor school performance, and substance use.  April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Transitions of PA and  Susquehanna Valley CASA – Voices for Children have partnered to bring Matthew Sandusky, adopted son of Jerry Sandusky, to the Lewisburg Area High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2016.  Matthew will share a message of hope as he talks about his journey of healing to support and encourage others.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.  This event is free to the public, but registration is required.  Tickets are available by visiting www.transitionsofpa.org . Matthew is the 2015 recipient of Darkness to Light’s Voice of Courage A...
Read more