Central Indiana domestic violence shelters turn away 1,743

• Crisis calls are rising, but Indiana domestic violence agencies are over their capacity and don't have available beds, report says.
• Domestic violence agencies provided shelter to 10,531 people, including more than 4,300 children, from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014

More than 1,700 people who sought shelter to escape from domestic violence in Central Indiana didn't receive it, according to a report released Thursday.

The State of Domestic Violence in Central Indiana report, produced by the Domestic Violence Network, shows 1,743 people were denied shelter from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014, because the agencies were over capacity and didn't have available beds. That is nearly triple the number of people who were denied temporary housing the year before.

"Housing continues to be our No. 1 obstacle," said Kelly McBride, executive director of Domestic Violence Network.

McBride said domestic violence agencies' resources are strained — with funding cuts, fewer staff members and victims who are staying longer in shelters because affordable housing isn't available elsewhere.

But Catherine O'Connor, president and CEO of the Julian Center, said people seeking help should not be discouraged by shelter limitations.

"We triage," she said. "If someone is in immediate danger, we’ll find a place for that person to be."

Domestic violence shelters find greater need for help

During that time period, the most recent fiscal year for which data was available, domestic violence agencies provided shelter to 10,531 people, according to the report. More than 4,300 of those residents were children. Forty-six were men, and the rest were women, records show.

Thousands of other people received services from the agencies but did not live there.

In October 2013, the Domestic Violence Network released a detailed, communitywide plan to end domestic violence in Central Indiana. Part of that plan called for increased awareness of domestic violence and of the resources to prevent it.

To that end, the Domestic Violence Network is training people in schools, businesses and community agencies about domestic violence — and the patterns of behavior used to gain control through victims' fear. Abusers may use physical violence or other, less obvious means, such as jealousy, controlling behavior, cruelty toward animals, verbal abuse and threats.

"So many people think of domestic violence as black eyes and bruises, but it's so much more than that," McBride said.

However, more awareness means more people seeking help — challenging agencies' already strained resources.

There were 20,789 crisis calls related to domestic violence in 2014, a 25 percent increase from 2010, according to the report. That does not include calls to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence's statewide hotline.

O'Connor, whose agency is based in Marion County, said those calls "just scratch the surface" of domestic violence in Central Indiana.

"We all need to be invested," she said. "We need to continue to press for the things that help these folks survive and thrive — jobs, housing and transportation. We have to get in front of this issue and make sure there are opportunities for the young people in this community to respect themselves. When we respect ourselves better, we are all less vulnerable."

Cassie Martin, executive director of Hendricks County-based Sheltering Wings, said awareness efforts are meant to teach people what healthy relationships look like, so they can prevent domestic violence. It's everyone's problem, she added, and it happens to neighbors, friends and colleagues.

"We can’t afford to stay silent on this issue," Martin said. "Abuse isn’t acceptable. They don’t deserve it, and there are resources to help them."

Call Star reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski at (317) 444-6135. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyMarisaK.

Domestic violence programs get no funding guarantees

Get help

If you are in immediate danger or need to report a crime, call 911.

Legacy House, in Indianapolis, provides free counseling and support services to children and adults affected by violence. They can be reached at (317) 554-5272.

The Julian Center provides myriad services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Their crisis line is (317) 920-9320. For more information, visit juliancenter.org.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network has a free, confidential national sexual assault hotline at (800) 656-4673. For more information and resources, visit rainn.org/get-help.

How you can help

• Volunteer or donate to a local domestic violence shelter.

• Join an impact group. To participate, contact the Domestic Violence Network at (317) 872-1086 or email communitywideplan@dvnconnect.org.

• Take the "No More Pledge" at www.indianasaysnomore.com.