WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — Advocates with The Cocoon, a domestic violence shelter in Wood County, say domestic violence does not discriminate.
The organization says survivors come in any gender, race and age - and it happens all the time. According to the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center, ever 15 seconds, a woman in the U.S. is physically abused by her partner. In Lucas County in particular, FCAPC said it receives 300 reported cases of domestic violence each month.
Since domestic violence can happen to anyone, the Cocoon said it is committed to having a place where anyone can go. To meet that criteria, The Cocoon has commissioned a local artist to paint murals that make the shelters feel welcoming and inclusive.
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"Most of our survivors come from diverse background so we want to make sure we highlight their needs and experiences first and foremost," said Elizabeth Johnson-Walsh with The Cocoon. "So we really want to make sure this space is representative of them. That's why we really try to make sure this is a space were we can participate in the art work."
The art was commissioned through a partnership with local artist Ambz, the founder of a Findlay-based art and design business called the Hysteria Company. Ambz specializes in graphic designs and is a muralist.
Advocates at The Cocoon said survivors are enjoying the art, including the level of interactivity that comes with it: survivors are encouraged to add their own art to frames that hang throughout the murals.
"From what I gather, looking at the mural itself, the survivors are grateful to have an artistic place," said Johnson-Walsh. "I know that when I walked through, there were already survivor artwork in the frames so folks are already engaging with the mural."
Many local resources are available for anyone surviving a domestic violence situation. You can find out more with the links below:
Domestic Violence Court Advocacy – 419.244.3053 ext. 242
Court advocacy through Toledo Municipal Court, Toledo Domestic Relations Court, as well as Ottawa County courts.
Suburban Court Advocates – 419.882.9000 / 419.885.8975 option 6
Court advocacy through Oregon, Maumee, and Sylvania Municipal Courts
YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter – 419.241.7386
24 hr emergency shelter for women and their children
Lucas County Victim Witness Assistance Program – 419.213.4951
Court Advocacy through Common Pleas Court (felonies)
Crisis Response Team – 419.245.3324 / 419.245.3127
24 hour service to reinforce follow-up of referrals and educate victims about options and resources available and encourage participation in the criminal justice system.
VINE – 800.770.0192
Find out information on offenders in custody for felonies by telephone
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800.799.SAFE (7233) /(TTY) 800.787.3224
DV Resource Center - 419.213.2700
Interviews for CPO's and resources for victims
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