NAMPA, Idaho (CBS2 News) — One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Jeannie Strohmeyer, Executive Director at the Nampa Family Justice Center, wants to help all those suffering.
"We serve victims or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, stalking and human trafficking," said Strohmeyer. "So when people are walking into our building, we have a slew of resources and they can get support and help as they're walking through this really difficult time in their life."
Strohmeyer says the Nampa Family Justice Center has multiple agencies that come together to help victims. She says navigating the complexities of custody, divorce and the civil court system are some common issues they help address.
"What they can find at the Justice Center is all those things in one location but we are distinctly separate," said Strohmeyer. "That's really important because when people are walking in, sometimes they don't want to connect with law enforcement. We have community based advocates there and those advocates are going to help them walk through a process of just being able to be safe, to get on their feet and have hope and healing in their life."
The Nampa Family Justice Center has been offering free resources since 2005. Last year, they served more than 10,000 people. Strohmeyer wants everyone who walks through their doors to know they are not alone. She stressed that the Nampa Family Justice Center is a place of healing where everyone is loved and valued.
"I want people to know that there's hope and that healing's possible. I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of people that have gone through abusive situations, that have been victims or survivors of abuse. I have seen many of those people move from a place where they have no hope, where they are not safe, where they are scared and they go home every day scared, and they've decided to say, 'I want to do something different. I don't want to live this way anymore," said Strohmeyer. "They've come into our doors and now they're on the other side of that and they are productive members of our community. They give back. They feel hope and they feel joy and they live in safety."
Strohmeyer says it's important to note that abuse looks different for everyone.
"Oftentimes when we talk about domestic violence, we have a picture of what that looks like, bruises, broken arms, scars, all those things right the on the body that are visible, but there's domestic abuse situations that people don't see. It's on the inside. It's when people are mistreated and verbally assaulted, emotionally assaulted and psychologically assaulted. We call it gaslighting where they're constantly second guessing their reality and they are living in fear," said Strohmeyer.
Strohmeyer says when there's domestic violence, 50 percent of the time, there's also child abuse. Abuse is a cycle, and it's important to help those stuck in it.
"If we can go home and wrap around these kids and invest in these kids in small ways, if even just the words you say. 'You are valuable, you are important, you are special, we're so glad to see you.' If we can wrap around them and let them know their value, as they get older, then they are going to be able to receive and maybe change the trajectory of their lives."
Strohmeyer says that domestic abuse can effect anyone, regardless of how well their life may seem to be going.
"I've worked with doctors, I've worked with judges, I've worked with professionals, business owners," said Strohmeyer. "It touches and reaches everyone, male, female, in an all socioeconomic statuses."
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Strohmeyer wants people to understand how big of an impact domestic violence has in the community.
"It's our next door neighbors, people in our community, when you go to the store, when you're in your churches, wherever you're at, you are going to find yourself connecting at some point with somebody that has been abused."
Strohmeyer says domestic abuse is a community problem that requires a community solution.
"We want people to know not only what the problem is, but that they are part of the solution," said Strohmeyer. "If we recognize the power of our words, to give words to the people at the grocery store, or wherever you're at, and give words of affirmation and of care, there's a change that we can make in our community."
Strohmeyer wants people to know if you need help, the Nampa Family Justice Center's doors are open.
"It's going to be guided by them. We're not going to try to advise them or force them into a corner of any of any nature. What we're going to do is ask them what they want, and we will walk alongside them and assist them in that journey," said Strohmeyer.
You can reach the Nampa Family Justice Center at (208) 475-5700.
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