The realities of domestic violence shelter life are not always easy, pretty, or capable of clear definition. Men, women, and children from all walks of life meet at the intersection of a very unique journey. They have been emotionally and/or physically abused, robbed of the very essence of who they are, confined to a box of abuse and control.
At Albion Fellows Bacon Center, we support victims of domestic and sexual violence no matter the stage of life they are at. With crisis management, food, safe shelter, and a team of advocates, we allow them the space to look inside themselves and say “This is who I am. I am strong. I am safe. I am taking back my control.”
Within this journey our residents are taking, it is often times overlooked how overwhelmingly important access to items such as books can be.
They seem such a simple thing at face value – pages with words, some illustrated and some not. To many they are an escape from the world around them, a journey to unknown lands, and to others they are educational and expansive.
To abusers, however, they are something to possibly fear. The knowledge and ideas that exists within the pages give way to thoughts, spark curiosity, can uplift and inspire the reader. In retrospect, it could potentially dismantle everything they’ve worked so hard to build – control, fear, and a sense of dependency.
For victims of domestic violence, access to a book can be so much more than a simple storyline or pictures on a page. It can be the support they need in the moment they are in, an escape to countries they never dared to dream about, or a simple moment of education in an increasingly expanding world.
Books represent the freedom of mind. They represent the freedom of control. They represent hope and security for anyone able to browse their pages and escape inside them.
Donate to Albion Fellows Bacon Center today and empower those we serve!
You are strong. You matter. We are here for you. If you are in need of our services, please call 812-422-9372 today.