This is the first in my series of "New Year's Resolution" episodes. I wanted to start 2022 with shows that focus on important issues that need to change in our communities, if we are going to be the best we can be. The topic for these first two episodes is Domestic Abuse. Not a "fun" topic in any way. The goal is to elevate our awareness of the size and scope of this blight on families. Also to point out educational resources, and possibilities for preventative action in our area and, hopefully, WAY beyond.
The New Year is a time to reflect on the personal and communal things that we can do better, and to find ways to accomplish those things. My guests for this week's and next week's podcasts can help us all do better at helping those caught in a domestic abuse situation, by knowing what it looks like and helping victims to find a way out. One way out is through the services offered at Hope House of South Central Wisconsin.
Jaime Sathasivam is the Co-Executive Director for Hope House of South Central Wisconsin. Hope House serves survivors of intimate partner violence, child abuse and sexual violence in Sauk, Columbia, Juneau, Marquette and Adams Counties. Following graduate school Jaime worked with runaway and hopeless youth and found a desire to stay in trauma-based support work. Other professional experience includes working at the Director of Client Services at Rape Crisis Center in Madison for five years, and working at the State Department of Justice on the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) project for a year before coming to Hope House in late 2019. To decompress from work Jaime spends time with her children and enjoys traveling, and crafting.
Alex Austin has been an Outreach Advocate with Hope House of South-Central Wisconsin since November of 2020. Prior to that, Alex worked in a residential treatment center for kids and adolescents with significant mental health diagnoses. Alex has an undergraduate degree in Human Services and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Alex enjoys spending time with her young daughter, reading and writing, spending time outside, and planning adventures.
If you want to learn more about Domestic Abuse check out these sites for more resources, information and educational opportunities:
Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.
