Amount of abuse victims up in May

Amberly’s Place: Most ever in one month seek help

The number of abuse victims went up in May, according to the latest report from Amberly’s Place.

The advocacy center, which has a crisis team to assist abuse victims in Yuma County, had 301 victims come through its doors asking for help last month.

“This is the largest number we have had in one month since opening,” said Diane Umphress, executive director. The center opened in 1999.

In May, 189 victims of domestic violence reached out for help. This number includes both primary and secondary victims.

“The primary victim is the one the abuse happened to, while the secondary victim is one who was also impacted by the abuse. The secondary witnessed it or it negatively impacted them as well,” Umphress explained.

In the cases involving 89 primary victims of abuse, 100 children impacted by the crime.

“When you look at the total number of victims in each age category, you see that over 171 were under the age of 18, so once again this month over half of those we serve were youth,” she noted.

“Abuse doesn’t only impact the primary victim. There are always additional innocent people who are also hurt. Children which live in abusive homes have a higher rate of being victims of abuse as well. Sadly they also struggle in school and with esteem issues and making good choices. Reporting suspected abuse is so important to a family and to our next generation,” she added.

One in three women will be the victim of domestic violence in their life, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

“Since we only respond to the more dangerous cases, this lets you know there were many more not reported to law enforcement or didn’t need immediate crisis intervention,” Umphress said. “This is why reporting abuse when you hear the screams and threats is so important. You could save a life.”

Amberly’s Place is in the middle of the Week In Paradise fundraiser (please see sidebar on A1).

“This is one of the most important fundraisers held each year. The money raised goes to help all these families and future victims of abuse,” Umphress explained. “We will need to assist families with school clothes, uniforms and school supplies as well as food, diapers and formula,

new locks on the door and gas to go to work, etc.”

The center is selling tickets for $10 each for a chance to win one of 10

great vacation packages.

“What a great way to help a victim and win a wonderful vacation at the same time,” she noted. “Please help us help others.”

Help is available to victims of abuse by calling the 24-hour helpline at (928) 373-0849.