Wrapping Victims of Domestic Violence in Comfort

Tools

By Lindsey Scheetz

Story Published: Dec 17, 2010 at 11:23 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2010 at 3:25 PM MDT

BILLINGS - Billings Police Officers have a new way to help victims of domestic violence.

For more than 50 years, the Zonta Club of Billings has helped empower women in the community through education and support. An advocate against domestic violence, the group is using a new medium to reach out and wrap their support around those who are affected. "If we make blankets and put each of them in a squad car when a police officer goes out on a call, they can give the victim a blanket for comfort," explained Zonta Club President Jolene Rieck.

Rieck said the project is based on a Native American tradition where blankets are often used and given as a sign of peace and comfort to someone who is in distress. "It's something that you really don't think about. I think if you find yourself in a situation where you are in need of police assistance, just someone coming up to you and handing you a blanket probably might provide some emotional comfort."

But the project goes beyond helping victims of domestic violence. "I think that the people we serve, they need to learn how to give back also," explained Montana Rescue Mission Community Relations Director Patty Yonts.

Zonta has partnered with the Montana Rescue Mission's Women's and Family Shelter to make the blankets. Rieck said she hopes the project will encourage the residents of the shelter, like Patricia LeBeau. "It just makes me feel good that someone else is, got something to hold on to that we all made," said LeBeau.

She is one of dozens of women at the shelter helping to make the blankets. She said its rewarding to help others who are also in crisis. “They know, you know, there's someone out there that really cares about them, that's willing to help out when they need help."

"That's why it’s so important because their focus now is on giving back and so they're not focused on their crisis so it helps them heal emotionally faster," Yonts explained.

The group has about 30 more blankets to make in order to fill every police car. For more information on the Zonta Club, or how you can help with this project, click on Connections.

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