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Breaking the Silence: Options Raises Awareness About Domestic Violence in Northwest Kansas
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is reminding northwest Kansas residents that abuse doesn't always leave a visible mark and that help is available.
Kayla Peterson, Development Associate with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, recently stopped by the NWKS Radio studios to discuss the importance of raising awareness, breaking the stigma surrounding domestic violence, and providing support for survivors throughout the region.
While October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Peterson emphasized that these conversations need to happen throughout the entire year.
"What we want to do is talk about this and break the stigma about domestic violence," Peterson explained.
Domestic Violence Isn't Always Physical
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding domestic violence is that abuse always involves physical violence.
Peterson explained that abuse can take many forms, including emotional manipulation, financial control, isolation, and other behaviors that leave victims feeling trapped.
Too often, individuals don't recognize what they're experiencing as abuse because there are no physical injuries.
Peterson stressed that raising awareness helps people recognize these warning signs and understand that they deserve support, even when physical violence isn't involved.
Helping Survivors Across 18 Counties
Options serves an 18-county region in northwest Kansas, including some of the area's smallest and most rural communities.
Peterson recently traveled to Sharon Springs, where the community issued a proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and pledged its support for awareness and resources.
However, providing services across such a large geographic area presents challenges.
Currently, Options has just one shelter serving its entire 18-county coverage area. The organization is working toward establishing another shelter in the Colby area to help meet the need.
Even with a second shelter, that would mean only two shelters serving 18 counties.
Peterson reminded listeners that domestic violence is not limited to large cities. It happens in small communities throughout northwest Kansas, too.
A Personal Story of Survival
For Peterson, the mission of Options is deeply personal.
During the interview, she shared that she grew up in a home affected by domestic violence. She recalled a time when families often kept these situations private, sometimes placing more importance on protecting someone's reputation than helping those experiencing abuse.
She also discussed her own experience leaving an abusive relationship and the challenges that followed, including financial struggles and navigating divorce.
Peterson recalled a moment when she had very little money and barely enough gas in her vehicle, but felt an overwhelming sense of peace knowing she wasn't returning to that relationship.
Her experiences eventually helped lead her to Options, where she now works to support others facing similar situations.
"That is not the survivor's shame to carry," Peterson said, emphasizing that responsibility for abuse belongs to the abuser, not the survivor.
She hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to speak up when they feel ready and recognize that they are not alone.
Support Doesn't End When Someone Leaves
Another important message from Peterson's visit was that escaping an abusive relationship is often only the beginning of a much longer journey.
Survivors may face financial challenges, divorce proceedings, counseling needs, and complicated family situations, including continuing to co-parent with an abusive former partner.
Peterson explained that Options provides support beyond the initial crisis, helping survivors navigate the challenges that follow.
For many individuals, knowing someone will be there throughout the process can make an enormous difference.
Peterson said one of the most rewarding parts of the organization's work is helping people discover that there can be happiness, independence, and peace after abuse.
Help Is Available
Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services wants residents to know that confidential help and resources are available.
For someone experiencing abuse, making a phone call isn't always safe or possible. Peterson highlighted the organization's text support option, which allows individuals to reach out when speaking on the phone may put them at risk.
To contact Options:
24-hour text line: 847-411
Phone: 1-800-794-4624
Website: help4abuse.org
Social Media: Search for Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
As Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues, Peterson encourages northwest Kansas communities to keep talking, listen to survivors, and help break the silence surrounding abuse.
The message from Options is simple: Domestic violence can happen anywhere, including our small rural communities, and nobody should have to face it alone.
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