Transformations from Inside Out - NDCC Helps Victims of Domestic Violence

A woman you and I personally know experiences domestic violence within her most significant relationship.  According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, one in four women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.  Between 600,000 and 6 million women are victims of domestic violence each year. Nearly three out of four (74%) Americans personally know someone who is, or has been, a victim of domestic violence, and 30% of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year. Every year, domestic violence results in almost 100,000 days of hospitalizations, almost 30,000 emergency department visits, and almost 40,000 visits to a physician

But this insidious epidemic is about more than sterile, impersonal numbers.  In fact, this issue is exceptionally personal.  It’s about our sisters, our neighbors, and our best friends.  Domestic violence is about what we tell ourselves and teach our daughters about self-worth - as well as appropriate boundaries.  The one who loves you does not hurt you.

That’s why New Directions Career Center (NDCC) actively seeks, through our relationships with domestic violence shelters, as well as other valued referral sources, to address the career development needs of battered women.  Often women stay in situations of domestic violence longer than they should, because they are afraid they cannot support themselves and their children.  When they take that first, courageous step to leave an unhealthy situation, experts here know it is imperative for them to receive career and job-related guidance designed to empower and lead them into fulfilling and economically self-sustaining careers.

Women who have been domestic violence victims comprise a large percentage of the women we serve.  In fact, more than 50% of the participants in our 105-hour New Directions program, report that they have been victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives. The rate is most likely a little higher than that because some people are embarrassed or don't feel comfortable telling others about the violence they’ve experienced. Occasionally, we have a client who is still being victimized.  In that case, we work with shelters and other agencies to help her secure the assistance she needs.

However, NDCC does more than just empower women to attain and maintain economic self-sufficiency. The Center is a safe harbor, where women are guided by a team of career professionals and licensed counselors to develop a career plan, to learn financial management skills, to learn how to take care of themselves, to believe in themselves, to develop confidence, to identify barriers, and to learn the importance of setting boundaries. We transform women from the inside out, focusing on helping them improve their attitude, demeanor, and appearance in addition to securing job readiness skills, training, coaching, and placement services.  It’s through this holistic approach, that New Directions Career Center empowers women to create the lives they envision and attain a livable wage.

Lives get changed here. 

If you or someone you know might be the victim of domestic violence, get help now. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.