Shafter Woman's Club fights domestic violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month, and the Shafter Woman's Club is raising awareness through its "White Ribbon" campaign. These ribbons, displayed around Shafter, symbolize the city's support for eliminating domestic violence against all individuals. The club is dedicated to shedding light on domestic abuse, promoting advocacy, and fostering support for survivors.

Barbara Gladden, the club's recording secretary, has led this project for five years. "We put white ribbons downtown on the trees to raise awareness that it is Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. In a couple of places, we have signs that say, 'Stand Up Against Domestic Violence.' "

The campaign also encourages people to take a pledge to never to commit, excuse, or stay silent about sexual harassment, sexual abuse or domestic violence against others.

Another crucial part of the club's efforts is its outreach at Shafter High School. "During lunchtime, we set up a booth encouraging students to stop by and take the pledge. We provide resources for them. Many students know someone who has been a victim of abuse. Given the high statistics, chances are they will know someone, so it's important they understand not to stay silent and to tell someone. Students get a sticker and a white ribbon if they take the pledge."

Their presence on campus also serves as a platform to distribute valuable educational resources to counselors, forming a partnership that has been established over the years and has undoubtedly made an impact.

A highlight of the campaign was a proclamation they received from the city on Tuesday when the City Council took the pledge and officially recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. "I thank the council. They are taking a stand against domestic violence in our community. I'm proud of our city council for doing that. It's spreading the word, which is what this month is about."

Gladden emphasized the significance of Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month to the Woman's Club. "Because abuse is never ok. A lot of us are moms, and the effect it has on children in abusive homes cannot be ignored. One in 15 children is exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to what is happening. So, they are not only exposed, but they also see it. You can imagine the impact it has on these kids."

"Also, often, this violence goes unreported, but the woman feels stuck like there is nothing she can do or nowhere she can go."

She added that in rural communities, there are fewer resources available. "In Shafter, the only accessible resource is calling the Police Department. Some families don't call the police out of fear it will make the problem worse, so they stay silent. In Bakersfield, they have more resources. They have the Justice Center and The Open Door Network, and both are equipped to work with victims of domestic violence."

If you are the victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 any time. Calls are free and confidential, and the hotline has access to interpreters who speak over 200 different languages.