Local officials explore options for domestic crime victims

The Monroe County Domestic Violence Task Force organized an event to discuss domestic violence Thursday.

Michael DeNunzio, board president of Middle Way House, Brandy Summers, forensic nurse at IU Health Bloomington Hospital and Sarah Dees, IU Religious Studies Ph.D. candidate, all spoke on a panel about their respective fields.

Summers has been a sexual assault nurse examiner for three years. She said they treat males and females, as well transgender individuals. Every person who walks through the door is screened, but many times, the abused patient will come with the abuser.

“A lot of our patients don’t come alone,” she said.

When this situation occurs, she said the staff will attempt to separate the two.  She believes this practice started because a patient once left with their abuser and was later killed. They also ensure the children of an abused women are safe.

She said although the same nurse isn’t with the patient 24/7, they are only a phone call away.

The Middle Way House has both a shelter and apartment buildingwith 28 units for women suffering from abuse as well as a 24-hour emergency line.
DeNunzio said only one family can stay in each room of the shelter and they are looking to expand.

“We’re looking to rearrange that,” he said. “We’ve been full for months.”
He said the women can meet with an advocate that helps them develop their
future.

“They make an individual plan for that women’s success and safety,” he said.
He said the shelter doesn’t have a cap on how long the women can stay and women are allowed to reside at the apartments for up to two years.
Although mainly a safe haven for women, the shelter also helps men by giving them a hotel room.

“Our agency doesn’t turn down anyone,” he said.

DeNunzio said the House has a legal advocacy office as well as a childcare program for babies up to teenagers.

He said human trafficking can also be an issue and that Middle Way House sees about five or six victims a year.

“It’s a growing problem,” he said.

He said the house goes to seventh and 10th grade classrooms to help kids learn how to develop healthy relationships. Although a serious problem, he noted the positives of his job.

“We have an amazing staff of folks,” he said. “It’s the success stories that keep you going in a rather grim business.”