Domestic Violence Intervention Marks Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Intervention is raising awareness of services available to victims while encouraging community members to volunteer and support its work.

DVI assists people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, stalking, harassment, and violent crime, according to Executive Director Carin Gomes. The organization does not provide services to perpetrators.

The organization also relies on volunteers, who help with fundraising and collecting, sorting, and organizing donated items. DVI accepts donations of household necessities, including bedding, kitchen items, nonperishable food, and money.

Gomes said financial donations can help DVI meet immediate needs for clients. She gave the example of helping someone repair a tire so the person can continue getting to work.

“Volunteer applications can be obtained by contacting the center,” Gomes said.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fallon students place purple-painted handprints on a bus for the “Hands are for helping, not hurting” campaign. The bus is displayed near local schools.

Gomes said volunteers who work with children must pass a full background check. Those interested in working directly with clients undergo DVI's advocacy and sexual assault training, which includes confidentiality requirements. High school students also volunteer with the organization and may earn school or college credit, according to Gomes.

DVI maintains crisis phone lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Gomes said the organization helps people plan for healthier relationships and provides referrals when someone's needs fall outside DVI's scope of services.

“If the situation is not within our scope of work, we will put them in contact with those who can help them,” Gomes said.

DVI will recognize longtime volunteer and former board president Pauline Friedrich during its A Guiding Light fundraiser. Friedrich spent decades volunteering with DVI and working to raise awareness of domestic violence prevention in Churchill and Lyon counties.

The sold-out fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 3. DVI also plans awareness activities throughout October.