October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Psychology Department at SCI Dallas held a month-long campaign to raise awareness throughout the facility. All month long, donations from incarcerated individuals — along with large donations from the SCI Dallas Jaycees, The SCI Dallas Lifers, and the SCI Dallas Latin Organization — were collected and then represented by purple ribbons commonly used to promote domestic violence awareness. These ribbons were hung in the main corridor of the prison to show how prevalent this type of violence is.
PSS Tia Rodriguez coordinated with Resilient Voices to have a survivor of domestic violence address a group of inmates to understand the true impact of their crimes and how it affects their victims for many years, even after the abuse stops. Coni Shrader bravely shared her story with inmates who donated to the cause and those who also recently completed Batterers Intervention. Feedback from the participants was very positive, mentioning how until this day, they never realized how their behavior impacted many of the relationships throughout their lives. The inmates agreed this was informative and eye opening and should be held annually to perpetuate awareness.
The money raised was donated to a local agency that supports victims of domestic violence: Beyond Violence, in Berwick, PA. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support and safety to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. They offer direct services, educational programming, and systems advocacy along with adult and child counseling. PSS Rodriguez arranged for Jennifer Campbell, executive director of Beyond Violence, to come to SCI Dallas and presented her with the donation totaling $1253.
Pictured from left: Leo Sahonick, activities; Tom Pavalonis, activities; Coni Shrader, Resilient Voices; Tia Rodriguez, PSS; Nicole Ashton, LPM, and Jeffery Locey, activities.