Amador County – Operation Care hosted an open house last week to mark the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

Staff built displays for various services that Operation Care offers, as a non-profit organization that provides support services, crisis intervention and education to Amador County about domestic violence and sexual assault.

One station was a puppet show that teaches about proper touching for children, said Tammie Crabtree, executive director of Operation Care. Another station compared client statistics between 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. It showed increases in total clients, as well as female and male clients. Total client in the first year 2009-2010 were 205, of which 172 were females, and 23 were males. In 2010-2011, Operation Care served 232 total clients, including 205 females and 27 males.

Crabtree showed some counseling rooms, including for couples, and another station gave information about their domestic violence support group, with a description of its 10 weeks of sessions designed for women survivors of domestic violence. It starts with introduction to the group, setting boundaries, signing “contracts,” discussing the group format and “ice breakers.”

It teaches skills to help women cope with their past experiences while building healthy friendships and relationships. The “group allows a confidential setting to connect with other women who have experienced relationship abuse.” Topics include different types of domestic violence, the “Cycle of Violence,” effects on children, diffusing anger, taking time out for “yourself,” and building healthy relationships.

The display said “you don’t have to go through this alone.” Other services Operation Care offers include a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, support groups, hospital and law enforcement response for victims, accompaniment to court, help with temporary restraining orders, safe-house shelter and community education. Crabtree said women victims can get emergency shelter at the safe-house and male victims can get hotel vouchers.

The organization also helps with information and referrals, crisis intervention, advocacy against domestic violence and sexual assault, helping bring law enforcement and medical responses.

Several prevention and support programs are offered. A children’s workshop covers topics such as feelings, families, abuse, protection plans, and anger. There are also violence prevention workshops for teens and young adults. The 15-session workshop helps youths deal with violence among youths, in a “non-threatening arena to express their fears and frustrations” and “gives solutions about violence.” It “captures the essence of how people can develop to be proponents for peace.”

Operation Care also offers self esteem and violence prevention workshops for girls and an economic empowerment program for survivors of domestic violence. Another program, “Cage Your Rage” focuses on violence prevention and anger management.

For more information, call (209)223-2897. For the 24-7 crisis hotline, call (209)223-2600.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.