***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2014

OFFICE OF THE ELKHART COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY AND YWCA JOIN FORCES TO HELP VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

The Office of the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney and the YWCA North Central indiana will partner to offer a support group for Hispanic victims of domestic violence in Elkhart County. This group will be facilitated by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney along with a bilingual counselor from the YWCA.

“Victims of domestic violence come from all backgrounds and walks of life, and none of them deserve to be abused,” said Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney, Curtis T. Hill, Jr. “Community partnerships are an important part of the work of Victim Assistance Division, connecting victims with recovery resources.”

The Victim Assistance Division of the Office of the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney offers a number of services related to domestic violence including facilitating protective orders, safety planning and working with victims as they navigate the legal system. The Victim Assistance Division also collaborates with local providers, like the YWCA, to connect victims with additional services available in the community.

“We are happy to be working with the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office to meet the needs of the Latino community,” said YWCA North Central Indiana President Linda Baechle. “Domestic violence is an issue that impacts families from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and it is these types of partnerships and collaborations that are needed to help provide help and support to all victims of abuse.” added Baechle.

For more information about the services provided by the Victim Assistance Division of the Office of the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney, visit http://www.elkhartcountyprosecutor.com/programs-services/victim-assistance, or call them directly at (574) 523-2237.

The YWCA North Central Indiana provides free bilingual domestic violence counseling and services to victims in both Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties. For more information about the new support group and to register to participate please contact YWCA domestic violence advocate Maribel Smith at 1-866-YES –YWCA.