Healing House sheds light on October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Deming Headlight - 9/30/2021

DEMING - Friends of the Healing House have made the October recognition of National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month a major annual event in Deming. With the help of community members and volunteers, the Healing House, Luna County's shelter for survivors of domestic violence, has taken the reins of the local event that draws attention to the cycle of domestic violence, but more importantly, shares the resources and support avenues available to victims of domestic violence in Deming and Luna County.

Volunteers will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Friday to tie purple bows on the trees at Luna County Courthouse Park. The bows are placed to honor survivors of domestic violence and to bring awareness locally.

On Thursday, Oct. 7, the Deming Police Department will host the annual "Cram the Cruiser" event at the Deming Walmart Supercenter, 1021 E. Pine St. A DPD patrol unit will be parked in front of the Walmart between 2 and 6 p.m. and Walmart shopper are asked to donate items for the clients of the Healing House.

The Healing House operates at, or near, full capacity throughout the year. Items that are much needed include:

** Shampoo

** Conditioner

** Brushes

** Toothbrushes

** Toothpaste

** Q-Tips

** Bottles

** Lotion

** Diapers

** Baby items

** Epsom salt

** Feminine products

** Toilet paper

** Wipes

** Deodorant

** Body soap

** Baby shampoo and wash

** Body wash

** Razors

** Towels

Any other donation is appreciated and welcomed.

On Wednesday, Oct. 20, A candlelight vigil and balloon release will be held between 6 and 8 p.m. at the courthouse park. The community is invited to participate and join in this ceremony. Speakers will share their experience in exploring the cycle of domestic violence and the resources available to the community.

If you know someone who lost their life to domestic violence and would like their name commemorated, please contact Griselda Milo at hhadvocate01@lunacountynm.us or call 575-546-6539.

Friends is a non-profit organization whose vision is for all families in Luna County to live free of domestic violence. They are instrumental in providing for the Healing House and bringing in other avenues of support for families escaping the grips of domestic violence.

Friends also supported by providing $5,000 for educational toys, activities, swing sets, bookshelves, and much more for clients and their children. The staff is extremely grateful for their generosity and continued support.

The mission statement at the Healing House is to provide comprehensive support and intervention services to people impacted by domestic violence by offering emergency shelter, protection order advocacy, counseling, immigration advocacy and education and training classes.

Domestic violence is categorized in three phases and is deeply associated with power and control These are the phases for the cycle of violence:

Phase 1

Tension building (The abusive partner can be increasingly irritable and angry and can engage in a level of abusive behavior; slapping, verbal and/or psychological abuse. the abused partner may become fearful and may try to make the abuser less angry or hostile to defuse the situation to avoid an explosion. The victim may seek help from law enforcement only to be told that nothing can be done until violence occurs).

Phase 2

Explosion (the acute battering incident is a lashing out of physical, sexual, or verbal abusive behavior. The explosion is usually the shortest phase and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. This phase can lead to serious injury or death. The victim will do whatever she/he feels is necessary to survive, which may include seeking help from family, friends, or law enforcement.

Phase 3

Calm period or honeymoon (the environment of the abusive relationship becomes tranquil and even pleasant. The batterer apologizes and promises to change. This may include gifts, promises to seek help, reminders of the good times in the relationship, etc. The victim may see the batterer as sincerely apologetic and see the violence as an aberration. This is usually the longest phase in the cycle but may get progressively shorter with time. This is also the time when the victim seeks help, because of the window of calm and safety).

Victims of domestic abuse can be male or female and the nature of the abuse can be physical and mental. Once a victim enters the facility, they are provided guidance and given referrals during a 90-day stay.

If you would like to set up an informational booth at the park during the event, email: interimed@demingms.org.

Volunteers are also needed for this event. If you are interested, email: hhmanager@lunacountynm.us.

Luna County has a clear message for domestic violence survivors - "You are not alone."

Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (leave a message) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.

You are not alone

Who: Friends of the Healing House

What: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

When: Three events throughout the month of October 2021:

** 12:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1. Tie a purple bow around a tree at Luna County Courthouse Park

** 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7. "Cram the Cruiser" event hosted by the Deming Police Dept. in front of Deming Walmart Supercenter, 1021 E. Pine St. Donate supplies for survivors of domestic violence

** 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20, candlelight vigil at Luna County Courthouse Park