Help Heal Domestic Abuse Survivors

"Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States; 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men, and 1 in 15 children are eyewitnesses to this abuse," according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This is why the Women’s Resource Center of Racine County exists. The WRC is a non-profit organization committed to supporting, strengthening, and serving survivors of DV. More specifically, “The mission of the Women's Resource Center is to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, education, and prevention services for a diverse population of victims or individuals at risk of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault by promoting positive changes for individuals served and the broader community of Racine County."

Our Women's Health Issues class is partnering up with the WRC to help provide physical and mental relief to those currently residing at the shelter. The goal of our community-based learning project is to address a variety of potential needs the WRC has, such as physical supplies, as well as positive mental health activities. Our specific goals this semester are to provide care packages, fun activities, a photoshoot, and a healthy meal to address physical and emotional needs. The care packages will be given to residents upon leaving the shelter to start their new lives. These packages will consist of essential kitchen supplies, towels, soaps, bathroom necessities, bedding, first aid kits, smoke/CO2 detectors, light-bulbs, and other basic household items.

For the activities, we plan to purchase large amounts of fleece fabric to conduct a tie-blanket activity as well as purchase picture frames to decorate. The residents have the option to have their photo and/or their children’s photos taken to put inside the frames to mark the next step in their lives. These activities will not only provide them with the comfort of a new, handmade blanket and picture frame to keep, but it will also help them focus on activities that are enjoyable while being surrounded by people who care about them.

This is the time of year to give—so please, help our class revive the courage and empower the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and will ultimately help us give back to an organization whose sole mission is to tend to those in need.


The Women’s Health Issues class (HESM 321) at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside thanks you!