City program works to better connect victims of domestic violence

A new city program works to better connect and support domestic violence victims.

The Indy Champion program through the Office of Public Health and Safety is led by advocates/community workers.  Four champions are currently budgeted for the program led by Danyette Smith who was named the city’s first director of domestic violence programming earlier this year.

Smith said victims often have to call numerous places to connect with services.

“We can then streamline them to where they go based off that intake instead of retraumatizing themselves by doing several intakes and not getting to what they need,” Smith said.

The program has been able to partner with existing organizations including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Domestic Violence Network and other nonprofits that provide assistance.

The champions also go door to door in communities affected the most by domestic violence.

“Being in those neighborhoods where you don’t see many organizations and communicate and talk to the residents in those communities because we know the top ten zip codes that are facing it,” Smith said.

Indianapolis continues to see an increase in deadly domestic violence incidents. The majority of those deaths are due to guns.

People experiencing domestic violence can face numerous social barriers including affordable housing, childcare, employment, and financial independence.  The champions work to be “barrier busters” through the program.

The new program is part of Mayor Joe Hogsett’s three-year, $150 million plan to address violence in Indianapolis.

The Indy Champions invite those who want to connect with the program to call 317-210-0866.