Transitioning Times

7/21/1943 – 11/14/2015 They say it is the dash between date of birth and date of death that matters, that tells the real story of who a person was. We at Transitions know very well how much Vivian Starr mattered to us, her clients, and her community. She shared her gentle, caring, and creative spirit with everyone she encountered. It seems surreal to talk about when she began working with Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition, SVWIT, because she was one of our founding mothers. Vivian was among a small group of women who saw a need and began helping victims of domestic violence right here in the Susquehanna Valley, using their own resources to help and shelter survivors in private homes. It wasn’t until 1975 that SVWIT officially began. Vivian continued her legacy as an integral member of the ‘Women in Transition’ staff for the next twenty-five years. She shared her creativity and nurturing soul with clients and co-workers alike in so many ways: comforting, supporting, a...

Voyeurism can be a dirty word, especially in light of the stalking victims that we at Transitions see.  However, I am referring to the voyeurism that happens when people allow themselves to be photographed, or when we see something in public that seems like it should occur in private--a fight, a spanking, a scolding, an insult. Time Magazine recently published a photo essay "Photographer as Witness: A Portrait of Domestic Violence."   I would strongly urge you to view this essay.  Its images are powerful, and it has raised some important questions.  Many people making comments have expressed disgust at the photographer for idly standing by while Maggie, the subject, is abused physically, verbally, and emotionally.  How would you respond?  How have you responded?  Have you ever seen something that maybe just didn't "sit right" with you?  Have you ever intervened?  Sometimes, when staff are in the community, we are as...

November 12th through the 16th is International Forensic Nurses Week We would like to take this opportunity to both express our gratitude and highlight the wonderful SANE nurses we have at Evangelical Hospital. Lindsay, Rachel, and Hannah are the trained SANE nurses at Evangelical Hospital.  They are on call in a rotation and must still work their regular shifts.  Their patience and skill are an example to all nurses and we are very grateful that they have chosen this work.  Evangelical Hospital continues to be the only hospital in Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties to employ SANE nurses.  Although there are other hospitals, their nurses and physicians may not be trained in evidence collection.  The chain of custody of said evidence may be broken in another medical facility.  Evangelical Hospital maintains an exam room, office, and bathroom in a suite to the rear of the Emergency Area specifically for SANE patients.  Their continued dedi...