By CRAIG HOWARD
Spokane Valley News Herald
It's been nearly 12 years since Stacey Womack created a refuge for victims of domestic violence.
During that time, the group known as Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services has provided a source of hope in the face of fear and isolation, a reliable haven that Womack describes as “a safe environment of change.”
Today, there are A.R.M.S. affiliates in eight states, including Washington. A support group in Spokane will be joined soon by branches in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake.
Womack, who organized the first gathering of A.R.M.S. in Hillsboro, Ore. back in June 1997, makes it clear that abuse takes a number of forms, including “the wounds you can't see.” The organization identifies various types of domestic abuse, including emotional, sexual, verbal, physical and financial.
“Many people define domestic violence very narrowly,” Womack said. “There's more awareness now about the impact in many areas. The resources have also improved.”
A.R.M.S. free confidential support groups are held once a week and follow an outline based on Psalm 23, a passage in the Bible that describes a journey from darkness to light. In the classes, known as “Her Journey,” attendees first learn about the effects of abuse and issues like denial and anger. The next section emphasizes topics such as depression and loneliness as well as the importance of renewing the mind. The final part of the course focuses on finding direction through a life of purpose, forgiveness and positive self-esteem.
“Abuse can be devastating on an emotional and spiritual level,” Womack said. “There's so much hope in what we teach. We let them know that God loves them.”
Ophelia Araujo is the director of the Spokane branch of A.R.M.S., the first satellite office to open in Washington. There are now programs in Moses Lake, Seattle and Coeur d'Alene.
Araujo has been working as a victims' advocate for the past 13 years. She describes how she escaped an abusive situation by “relying on the Lord.”
“I got out with the Lord's help,” she said. “Many of these women don't have the community, family or church support they need. Our groups provide a supportive atmosphere where we talk about identifying and overcoming obstacles.”
Araujo said A.R.M.S. reinforces scriptural references against abuse and the importance of a religious standard that honors women.
“Women who go through this program don't go back to the home if it's not a healthy atmosphere,” Araujo said.
Araujo points to a variety of goals including starting up programs in Boise, Montana and Colorado. She would also like to develop a group home in the Spokane area for victims of domestic violence.
“We're looking for people who have a heart for this ministry to help with this work,” she said.
The organizations work with a variety of agencies and resources to address concerns like housing, child care, financial support and legal advice, Womack said. Statistics show that 70 percent of men who batter their wives also batter their children.
Karen (last name withheld) learned about A.R.M.S. while attending a church in the Spokane Valley area. Even though she left her husband over 10 years ago, Karen said the support group and classes have helped her “learn how to talk about what happened.”
“This helps you face it, articulate it and heal,” she said.
Part of the recovery process, Karen said, involves coming to grips with the aftereffects of abuse, symptoms associated with conditions like post traumatic stress disorder.
“It was defining who I was,” she said. “I was bitter, tense and nervous, always walking on eggshells. I realized I didn't have to be in crisis mode anymore. I was able to find forgiveness and peace.”
On Oct. 10, A.R.M.S. will join other social service agencies in Hillyard as part of an event designed to raise awareness about abuse and the resources in place to eradicate it. Womack said she continues to be encouraged by the growth of A.R.M.S. and similar groups across the U.S. The organization also works with men who have been responsible for domestic violence, offering classes that describe the damage of mistreatment and help perpetrators overcome abusive behavior.
A.R.M.S. receives about 80 percent of its funding through donations and the remainder from grants, Womack said. Administrators in the Oregon office communicate monthly with leaders of the affiliate groups. The agency holds two national training sessions each year. A.R.M.S. also teaches classes in faith-based parenting and youth violence prevention.
Araujo said while there are many supportive resources in place, the road to recovery can't begin unless victims take the first step to seek help.
“When you're hiding, it's in darkness,” she said. “The people who take part in this program learn that it's a blessing.”
Want to find out more?
To contact the local A.R.M.S. office, call 484-0600 or visit http://www.armsonline.org. The Spokane YWCA offers a 24-hour domestic violence helpline at 326-2255. The National Domestic Violence Helpline can be reached, toll-free, at 1-800-799-7233. To learn more, visit http://www.ndvh.org.
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