A Conversation about DV with Caleigh Skinner
Caleigh Skinner, LMSW is the Director of Domestic Violence Services at Pinnacle Community Services. Caleigh has held this position for roughly 2.5 years and has been working in this realm for much longer. Caleigh is a dedicated member of our community who is very passionate about providing resources to domestic violence survivors.
Recent Training
On October 7th, Caleigh facilitated an “In Her Shoes” training simulation. The simulation provides a very intimate lens into several real Domestic Violence scenarios. Through the eyes of these survivors, participants are able to make life decisions that result in various outcomes. The scenarios serve as a reminder of how complex each and every survivors situation is and how only the survivor can truly understand their situation.
Special Considerations for Students and Young Adults
Caleigh recently conducted an “In their Shoes” training at Newfane high school. Caleigh makes it a point to discuss “cyber tracking” with students. She notes it is commonplace for students to track location with family and friends on their phones. She is very concerned that this type of tracking can put students and others in a very vulnerable position.
Best Practices for Providers
Caleigh offered up a few tips when an individual discusses a DV situation with you. Caleigh says, “start with emotional support first.” Its important to listen to the individual and avoid throwing out phone numbers and information right away. She advises to never sneak a pamphlet or flyer in someone’s belongings as it could be found by their abuser. She says, ‘when offering a phone number” or informational pamphlet: give the person a choice.” For example: “Would you like the DV Hotline phone number?”
National Domestic Violence Statistics
- On Average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
- On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide
- 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of those children are eyewitnesses to this violence