Oklahoma has some of the highest rates of violence against women and children in the country, according to Kim Garrett-Funk, founder of Palomar Family Justice Center in Oklahoma City.
Palomar works with 45 partner agencies to provide support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse. Garrett-Funk said the center and its partners have already served 46,000 survivors, ranging from mothers with newborns to older adults experiencing abuse.
“We have already served 46,000 survivors with our partners. Everything from a mother with a newborn baby to a 97-year-old man who is experiencing elder abuse,” Garrett-Funk said.
The organization is also preparing to expand its services through a new facility that will include 24/7 access to forensic medical exams. The facility will feature a secure lobby where sexual assault survivors can enter using a one-time access code and wait for law enforcement and advocates to arrive.
It will also include a dedicated forensic wing with a shower and an evidence collection area designed to provide specialized care for survivors.
Meanwhile, the need for legal assistance continues to grow. According to the Legal Services Corporation, requests for legal advice from domestic violence survivors increased by 5.4% over the last year.
Another resource available to Oklahomans is GetSafeOK.org, a free online tool that connects people with legal aid, shelters and other local support services across the state.
Garrett-Funk said addressing domestic violence requires a continued effort from the entire community.
“We’re not hiding. We are facing this issue together, and we’re going to get better together as a community,” she said.
Advocates emphasize that help is available throughout the year, not just during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
