Baker City nonprofit reminds victims that help is available during the holidays
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, November 24th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – A local nonprofit that works to prevent domestic violence is reminding residents their doors are open this holiday season.
Representatives with Mayday, Inc. in Baker City say that they’re only a phone call away and want victims to come forward — without any fear.
Advocates say there is no excuse for violence — but says this time of year can be particularly hard.
According to statistics, domestic abuse increases over the holidays, for a number of possible reasons:
- Stress from holiday shopping, finances, and planning can aggravate volatile personalities.
- Abusers are more likely to partake of alcohol or drugs when they don’t have to work.
- Simple opportunity: abusers are more likely to be home alone with their victims than at other times of the year.
“Right after the holidays, it can get really bad because the financials, the bills are starting to come in,” says Millie Joseph, Executive Director at Mayday. “We didn’t realize we spent this much money, the pressure, how are we going to pay for this? So right after the holidays, it tends to be the time that is the most dangerous.”
Mayday provides crucial services to those who suffer from domestic violence such as restraining orders, court accompaniment, hospital accompaniment, and emergency shelter. However, the agency faces challenges, particularly the lack of transitional housing, making it difficult for survivors to achieve long-term safety and independence.
“We don’t have transitional housing, we have the emergency shelter, but we need more space, and we just don’t have the funding to get that more space. So we don’t have long term housing and that’s where a lot of people will end up going back,” says Lela Danforth, Administrative Advocate at Mayday. “ So there’s not very many rentals that they can get into in Baker, especially with the cost of getting into those rentals, if there’s anything at all available. So we see a lot of people going back just because they can’t financially afford to be out on their own.”
Mayday stresses the importance of community outreach and education to raise awareness about the signs of abuse. Mayday offers resources to help individuals recognize red flags and understand what constitutes a healthy relationship. They also provide support for those struggling with the decision to come forward, emphasizing the confidential nature of their services.
“We’re here to show survivors that there are many forms of abuse. Even if you didn’t get hit, kicked or strangled, abuse is abuse,” said Danforth. “The majority of people that come through here have had some form of childhood abuse as well. Some don’t realize they’re being abused. Because it was never dealt with when they were kids.”
Additionally, Mayday touched on its efforts to address human trafficking, particularly relevant in Eastern Oregon. “It is a serious issue in Baker,” says Danforth.
With the looming impact of the pandemic, advocates expressed concerns about a potential increase in trafficking cases, emphasizing the need for community vigilance.
Mayday, Inc. encourages individuals who may be hesitant to reach out to explore their resources, including a 24-hour crisis line and community education programs. Despite facing hurdles such as a lack of legal resources, the agency remains committed to providing survivors with support and empowering them to break the cycle of abuse.
“We are here and available for anyone. We’ll continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement and other stakeholders to create a safe and anonymous environment for survivors of domestic violence in Baker.” said Joseph.
Mayday, Inc.’s 24 hour crisis line can be reached at 24-hour Crisis Line (541) 523-4134, Toll Free (888) 213-4134
