Created on Wednesday, 15 April 2009 15:13
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Legacy House Supports Those Impacted by Violence; Will Host April 30 Awareness Event on Monument Circle
Indiana First Lady Cheri Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will mark the 25th Anniversary of National Victims’ Rights Week in Indianapolis by participating in the 8th annual Legacy House ROCC-A-Thon April 30 at Monument Circle from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Local headlines describing the latest homicides in Indianapolis have become an all too familiar refrain. At least 20 homicides have taken place in Marion County this year. Beyond the loss of life and the grief are the survivors. Often overlooked, those who must confront the anguish of a sudden, often devastating end to a loved ones life are left to make sense of an often senseless act. Helping these victims is the role of Legacy House.
“Reaching Out to Citizens Affected by Crime is what ROCC means to us. Already this year we have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our services. During January and February, the number of clients served was more than 25% over the same period one year ago. The actual number of services provided is up 33% over last year. This is a significant increase and follows the trend of the last two years,” said Shari Bradley, executive director, Legacy House.
The annual ROCC-A-Thon event features local residents rocking in dozens of wooden rocking chairs on the Circle, music, food and educational booths to create community awareness to the issue of violence, its victims and services offered through Legacy House.
Legacy House is a service center for adults and children affected by all types of violence including homicide, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, robbery and burglary. Therapeutic services include individual and family counseling, support groups and children’s services including play, art and talk therapy.
Additional services include applications for emergency protective orders, emergency cell phone distribution, application assistance for the Indiana Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Fund, safety planning, community outreach and education.
“Children are seeing violence, are victims of violence and need support in increasing numbers. We have expanded our services to ensure these children receive the attention they deserve,” said Bradley.
Legacy House is the only victim service agency in Indianapolis, outside of the criminal justice system, that responds to all types of violence. It is the only agency providing service to men who are victims of violence. Legacy House provides services free of charge.
