HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Crisis Services of North Alabama provides several different resources to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
One of their services is their Domestic Violence Responder Program which provides counseling and court advocacy to survivors. They also can provide shelter at HOPE Place.
This program started 25 years ago when a representative from CSNA met with the chief of Huntsville Police Department over coffee. This conversation happened not long after HPD started their investigative unit specializing in domestic violence cases.
The program also has Forensic Nurse Examiners who provide care and collect evidence for survivors of intimate partner violence as well as sexual assault. They can even serve as expert witnesses and play a crucial role in supporting law enforcement and pursuing justice.
The domestic violence responders often go out into the field with law enforcement.
Domestic Violence Response Program Coordinator, Rachell Pyle, shares, "if a responder rides with a police officer, they deal with all sorts of cases. They will be there for anybody who needs emotional support."
Pyle says in August they saw about 238 intimate partner domestic violence cases, about 241 cases in September, and about 190 cases this month so far.
"Strangulation is very high now, it's increased drastically. Sexual assaults increased a lot," Pyle said.
Gary Gilbert, an investigator with HPD, says a lot of domestic violence goes unreported.
"A lot of our cases come in from neighbors calling just because of the noise," Gilbert said.
They usually tend to see more cases when they get into the office on Monday mornings.
"Mondays are pretty rough, but we print out cases. We will call victims. In this office we'll have a responder come in and we'll do victim callbacks, and we will attempt to call a victim," Pyle said.
During those calls they offer resources and help the victims figure out what they want to do next.
"If that victim does not leave that offender, we will be there the next time they need us to call. No judgment, judgment, free zone, period. We will be there," Pyle said.
Safety plans are crucial when preparing to leave a domestic violence situation.
"I have people I work with, we safety plan for six months just to make sure they're safe because it's so dangerous when they leave," Pyle said.
These responders also put together packets for law enforcement to give to victims of domestic violence that include information on crisis services, safety plans, and Alabama Victims' Rights Laws.
"We have a set for HPD [Huntsville Police Department], the sheriff's department, Madison city, and then we have some that we're beginning to hand out in the communities," Pyle said.
If a responder is out in the field with law enforcement, they carry coloring books and other items in case they work with children.
"We always want the children to be distracted...just change their world for a few minutes while we're in the field," Pyle said.
And for Pyle, this work she does is personal, as she is a survivor of both sexual assault and domestic violence.
"The value you have giving back and being there for somebody in a crisis situation, especially domestic violence, because that's what I grew up in. It's a beautiful thing," Pyle said.
If you find yourself in a domestic violence situation and feel you are in danger, call 911.
“If they don't want the police to come to their house, go to one of the precincts, go to our [Huntsville Police Department] main facility on Wheeler Avenue, make a report there. And they can leave alternate contact numbers with a friend or family so we don't have to call them or text them directly to where the abusive partner would be able to intercept those calls or text. And we can keep it discreet," Gilbert said.
Pyle encourages individuals to also call your local crisis center for resources, which will include advocates who will help navigate the process, develop safety plans, and many times can assist finding shelter, if needed.
"Whether it be law enforcement or emotional support from an advocate, emotional support from a domestic violence responder in the field. We all have our own lane, but it takes every piece of that puzzle to complete that puzzle,” Pyle said.
If you’re attempting to safety plan, please don’t hesitate to call CSNA's HELPline at 256-716-1000.
Pyle also says mental health during a domestic situation is vital. Crisis Services offers free counseling to intimate partner victims of domestic violence. Learning to navigate through the healing process makes all the difference in the world.
CSNA is hosting multiple domestic violence awareness events this month:
- October 16: Chaleur Salon & Spa in Scottsboro is offering free haircuts to survivors of domestic violence. Visit the events page on CSNA's website for the reservation phone number.
- October 18: "Morgan County Goes Purple for a Purpose" will take place at the Morgan County Courthouse on Lee Street in Decatur, beginning at 12:00 pm.
- October 19: Crisis Services’ will host a Candlelight Vigil at the Jackson County Courthouse Gazebo starting at 11 a.m. featuring compelling survivor stories.
- October 21: Crisis Services and Designbyhart Pottery Studio located in Lowe Mill, will co-host “Heartworks for HOPE Place,” an artist-led, paint and donate event in support of HOPE Place domestic violence shelters. The Saturday event runs 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm with a fee of $35 to cover supplies with remaining proceeds going directly to Crisis Services of North Alabama. Light snacks will be served and participants may bring their own beverages. To register for the class visit https://tinyurl.com/csnaorg. Space is limited.