October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and New Directions, the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center of Knox County, is actively commemorating its 40th anniversary while championing a campaign to raise awareness and celebrate the community.

Lindsey Lamp, of New Directions, shared insights into the organization's mission, services and the vital work it does to support survivors of intimate partner violence.

“We are excited that New Directions is celebrating their 40 year anniversary of commitment to providing resources for the safety, healing and freedom of individuals so that they can be empowered to be their best versions of themselves and engage in safe, respectful and healthy relationships,” Lamp told the Mount Vernon News.

New Directions has dedicated four decades to providing resources for individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence, striving to empower them to lead lives filled with safety, healing and freedom.

To mark their 40th anniversary, New Directions is hosting an event that promises an exciting celebration. On Oct. 27, a lively 1980s-themed party will take place, featuring rock and roll music, a no-tap bowling tournament, live music and a costume contest. This event offers an opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy, and celebrate New Directions' significant milestone.

New Directions serves as a dual agency, providing services to survivors of intimate partner violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault and teen dating violence.

“We're committed to ending violence within our community, but we're also committed to empowering our community with the knowledge and the confidence to engage in healthy relationships. Part of that is really providing knowledge and information to our community,” Lamp said.

Focusing on intimate partner violence, New Directions offers free and confidential services, including a 24-hour crisis hotline (740-397-HELP) and in-person appointments at their office located at 212 N. Main Street and outlying villages.

During advocacy sessions, survivors receive emotional support, guidance and access to resources to help them regain control of their lives and work toward their goals.

The organization also operates a crisis shelter for individuals fleeing domestic violence situations. At the shelter, clients receive support in achieving individual goals, such as obtaining important documents, establishing a bank account and seeking housing solutions.

New Directions is expanding its services to include long-term shelter options due to the housing shortage in Knox County. Recognizing the increased demand for housing, New Directions plans to offer longer-term support and life skills development to assist survivors in finding stable housing solutions.

In addition to direct services, New Directions provides legal advocacy, public events and accompaniment to hospitals. The organization collaborates with local law enforcement to assess domestic violence situations, using an assessment program to identify survivors at risk. In such cases, local law enforcement connects survivors to New Directions' advocates, offering immediate access to resources and services.

New Directions is also dedicated to prevention, striving to educate the community about domestic violence and sexual violence.

“Our priority is to help and support survivors, thru prevention we are being proactive in educating our community about domestic violence and sexual violence, our goal is to ultimately to end intimate partner violence,” Lamp said.

The organization's prevention efforts include school-based programs for all age groups, from pre-K to high school, and partnerships with local colleges to promote prevention on campus. They also offer professional development and community source training.

As an organization, New Directions is committed to ending violence within the community and empowering community members with the knowledge and confidence to engage in healthy relationships. The organization emphasizes that domestic violence can affect anyone and everyone, highlighting that abuse takes various forms, including physical, emotional and financial abuse, along with stalking.

New Directions encourages community members to become active bystanders, intervening when they suspect problematic or unsafe situations. By prioritizing safety and security within the community, individuals can create a culture where it is expected that someone will speak up when they observe concerning behavior.

“Something that we want our community to know is our community is really great at uplifting and centering survivors in the work we do, but also in preventing the violence from occurring. As community members, it's our goal that you are an active bystander and you listen to your gut, if something looks problematic or doesn't settle right, say something or do something,” Lamp said.

New Directions' 40-year anniversary represents a significant milestone in the organization's unwavering dedication to combatting intimate partner violence and promoting healthy relationships.

Their work continues to make a positive impact on the community while providing survivors with the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.  

Contact New Directions at 740-397-4357 or visit their website at www.newdirectionsknox.org.