Sending a message

A woman from a foreign country, now living in the United States, was put in the hospital several times by her abusive boyfriend.

She thought many times of trying to contact authorities to report his savage actions but stopped short because he threatened to have her deported if she told. “Jane” felt he would eventually kill her, so she decided to take her children and flee from her abuser. She contacted the Domestic Violence Service Center for emergency shelter, and with the help of DVSC’s counselor/advocates, “Jane” eventually became a U.S. citizen and recently graduated from a vocational school.

She is now a licensed practical nurse. She and her children now live in a home that is free from violence. She plans to further her education to make a better living for herself and her children.

This uplifting story is just one of the many that come from finding help at the non-profit Domestic Violence Service Center, located in Wilkes-Barre. Its ongoing mission to eliminate domestic violence continues with a benefit concert that allows several talented women to showcase their music for a worthy cause.

The event is appropriately titled “Women Who Rock” and will take place on Thursday, July 23 at the River Street Jazz Caf�, as it has for the past four years. Hosted by WBRE’s Candice Kelly and the female DJs of Entercom, this year’s benefit marks the fourth straight year of the event. You need to be 21 to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the first act will take the stage at 6 p.m.

“The purpose of our event is to one day eliminate domestic violence altogether,” explains DVSC Development Director Carol Crane. “It helps us bring some attention to the issue by having these talented women perform. And that helps us continue our services of helping people and raising money for the cause.”

Proceeds raised at previous events have increased each year, and despite its rapid growth in popularity, event coordinators don’t have any intentions of moving the benefit to another venue.

“It’s a great location and a great atmosphere,” says Crane. “We’ve had great turnouts thus far, so why change now?”

The idea for “Women Who Rock” came from Weekender General Manager Rachel A. Pugh with the help of DVSC Executive Director Paula Triano.

The concert will feature Dealer in Wares, Maria Dubiel, Kathy Donnelly, Betty Harlot, Phyllis Hopkins, Jeanne Zano, Leighann Burke, Shannon Marsyada, K8 and Evernight.

For some musicians such as Dubiel, it isn’t the first time they have performed at “Women Who Rock.”

“To me it’s a very important event,” says Dubiel. “I have known people who have been in abusive relationships. It’s a great way to bring awareness to a local level.”

For other artists, like Dealer In Wares, it’s their first year performing at “Women Who Rock.” The critically acclaimed bluesy rock outfit from Olyphant is on the verge of releasing a new album this fall.

“It’s obviously for a great cause, and it’s also a great way to showcase some of our new material,” explains singer Sarah Yzkanin. “I’m also excited to see Phyllis Hopkins’ performance.”

HELP IS AVAILABLE

The main focus of DVSC’s services is the safety of domestic violence victims and providing victims with the information and skills they need to become self-sufficient. No one should be afraid to call the 24-hour hotline because all calls and services are kept confidential, Crane explains.

Founded in 1976, the DVSC provides shelter for battered and homeless women and their children and has been making strides to do away with domestic violence. DVSC is the only agency in Luzerne and Carbon counties to provide shelter and direct services to battered women and their children.

According to Crane, Luzerne County law enforcement responds to 24 domestic violence calls each day. Nationwide, a woman is battered every nine seconds.

The shelter has a 24-hour hotline (570.823.7312) and a toll-free number (1.800.424.5600) for anyone seeking help. Both lines will connect callers with workers professionally trained to deal with domestic violence situations. Other services available at the DVSC are emergency shelter, crisis intervention, individual counseling, support group counseling and client advocacy.

Throwing a benefit for such a cause doesn’t only raise awareness, but, equally as important, it raises money for the DVSC so it can continue helping victims. A report on nnedv.org, the Web site of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, notes that the main issue with help shelters is the lack of money and staff to keep them running efficiently. They tend to lack counselors and specialists for the certain types of cases that they encounter each day, according to the Web site.

“Calls are pretty much consistent,” explains Wilkes-Barre Police Lt. Paul Middleton. “I’ve been to at least 100 domestic violence calls in my last 21 years in the force. It’s not always man against woman, though, it’s surprisingly mixed in regards to gender. I’ve seen man against man, woman against man, which usually go unreported anyway, because the men are too embarrassed.”

The message is going to be loud and clear at the “Women Who Rock” benefit concert. It’s going to be a brash call-to-arms against domestic violence, not only in Northeastern Pa., but also all over the world. Lack of funding is just a small bump in the road for the people at DVSC.

“We just want people to know that abuse is not their fault,” says Crane. “There is help, and we want them to be safe. All they have to do is call.”

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“Women Who Rock,” proceeds benefit Domestic Violence Service Center, w/ Kathy Donnelly, Betty Harlot, Phyllis Hopkins, Maria Dubiel, Jeanne Zano, Leighann Burke, Shannon Marsyada, k8, Dealer In Wares, Evernight. Thursday, July 23, doors 5:30 p.m., music 6 p.m. River Street Jazz Caf� (665 N. River St., Plains). Cover: $10 in advance (570.823.5834), $12 at door.