SSC Corner: Fighting domestic violence

By Judith Wickelgren

Domestic violence is a very real, debilitating aspect of many people’s lives, and reaching out for support can be difficult once the effects have rendered a person fearful. In light of a very serious situation, Minnesota unemployment law supports victims having to leave a job due to these circumstances. What this means is that financial assistance is available for someone that needs to leave a job because they fear for their safety due to a domestic violence situation.

Minnesota has recognized that one’s ability to provide financial support is an important aspect of overcoming domestic violence. A call to the local unemployment office can provide more detailed information regarding this benefit, or if Internet access is available, a good resource is www.aardvarc.org.

In addition to financial support laws, Minnesota also hosts many shelter programs for families needing a temporary safe home, provides food shelves throughout the metro area for those in need of a meal, will set up counseling for victims of domestic violence and can assist with legal issues. The best place to start is to ask a trusted person for referrals; it is surprising how many people have had to utilize crisis intervention and/or know of support assistance programs. Some other good options include schools, county departments and the Internet.

Remaining in a domestic violence situation will only continue the saga and the damaging effects it has on everyone involved. In fact, violence in any form may become stronger given the opportunity to continue and flourish. Victims must seek out positive support that results not only in removing themselves from the violence, but also assists with introducing alternative life paths to follow. Finding a different way to live life is an important factor in one’s ability to leave domestic violence behind. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out for help immediately.

Students for Social Change, a Metropolitan State University Student Organization, can be reached at rubinda@go.metrostate.edu.