This article is part of a project of the local Community Health Improvement Council (CHIC).  Health Councils were created statewide in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) with the goal of getting local citizens and county governments more involved in the manner in which health might be improved in each of their communities.  The local CHIC is conducting an ongoing awareness campaign addressing the various areas that can potentially affect a person’s health.  October has been devoted to bringing awareness to our local Domestic Violence Program, The Family Crisis Center in Farmington, New Mexico.

 

Do you know somebody who consistently makes others uncomfortable with demands, intimidation and name calling? Do you feel like a loved one is being controlled or manipulated yet acts like it's no big deal when the problem is addressed? That person may be in an abusive relationship or may even be an aggressor. The above listed attributes do not necessarily classify one as an abuser but they are certainly present in most domestic violence cases. Domestic violence, a learned behavior based on power and control, remains a major problem in San Juan County. A terrifying statistic that has yet to change over the years is that a victim of domestic abuse, no matter how severe the case, returns to their abuser seven times before they make the commitment to say away. Countless victims never make it to their seventh assault. In light of these staggering facts and a commitment to Domestic Violence Awareness Education, it is the mission of The Family Crisis Center (FCC) in Farmington, NM to enhance community harmony and strengthen families and individuals by promoting health, well-being and non-violence through prevention, education, intervention, treatment, and shelter services. We are guided by the principals of self-determination, accountability, respect and integrity in our service to others.

 

We at FCC run a full service 24-hour crisis hotline along with a 14 bedroom shelter that welcomes men, women, children and pets in crisis. We believe that love shouldn’t hurt and that everyone deserves a comfortable home, free of fear and abuse. Our center has undergone many changes and multiple moves since its conception in 1978, beginning with simple guest rooms in our founders own home, to Marge Atkinson’s Home for Women and Children, to the currently named and still expanding Marge’s Place Protective Shelter located in Farmington. It is the ultimate goal of our staff that we empower survivors of domestic violence to take back control of their lives through: counseling for victims and children, a 52-week offender program, individual counseling, women’s support groups, co-dependency groups and court advocacy. We are proud to offer FREE services for children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence as well as victims and survivors.

 

Please join us this year at our annual fundraiser on Saturday October 21st, the Boots and Bling Swing featuring Emerson Drive. This fundraiser helps us to keep services free to those experiencing DV. Tickets are available at www.familycrisiscenternm.org or call (505)325-3549.