While the locations and outcomes varied, three recent shootings in the area each shared one similarity: they began with situations of domestic violence or abuse.
The similar roots highlight the necessity of resources for those facing violence in their homes.
“We have so many good resources (in Union County) and people just don’t know,” said Tracie Nelson, clinical director at WINGS Support and Recovery.
On April 30, a man began shooting from the windows of a Plain City home after officers responded to a report of a domestic assault at the residence.
The shooter was injured with non-life threatening injuries after officers returned fire when the man exited the garage. No officers were injured during the incident.
Another man opened fire on May 20 in a block of the Meadows Apartments after reportedly texting the mother of his children to tell her that he was going to hurt her new, live-in boyfriend.
There were no injuries as a result of the shooting. The shooter was charged with one count of felonious assault, but is still at large.
Law enforcement again responded to a domestic incident on May 30 in Mill Valley.
A Union County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot and killed a man after receiving multiple 911 calls regarding a father who began wielding a gun during a custody exchange.
Just as circumstances surrounding domestic violence vary, Nelson said the needs of those affected do too.
She said those facing abuse in their homes can be fearful and confused, which may make it difficult to know which resource they need in the moment or how to access it.
She said Union County’s strength is the willingness of its resource agencies to work together.
WINGS is among a number of organizations that can point those in need in the right direction, Nelson said.
While WINGS does not offer emergency services for those facing domestic violence, Nelson said they focus on “prevention and follow-up.”
“Front-house” resources include a full shower, laundry facilities, televisions, books and access to hot meals, Nelson said. She added that WINGS, located at 729 S. Walnut St., can help those in a transitional phase who need a bite to eat or a place to wash their clothes.
WINGS is also home to a peer engagement specialist who can talk with those who walk in and help determine what resources they need and help connect the person with them.
Nelson said “back-house” services are offered more privately, and include helping individuals apply for benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Social Security, among others.
She also noted that WINGS specializes in a variety of peer support groups, led by state-certified peer mentors. Groups focus on topics ranging from emotions, to anxiety, to women’s support.
WINGS’ drop-in center on Walnut Street is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Those in need of help meeting basic needs can also utilize the Hope Center’s Union County Emergency Assistance Program.
Through the EAP, individuals can meet in a confidential setting with a Hope Center staff member, who will help assess the person in need’s situation and connect them with resources available.
The EAP helps provide housing, furniture, transportation, employment opportunities, assistance with utility costs and clothing.
Those interested in the EAP can call (937) 303-4209 to schedule an appointment during the program’s operating hours, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Holly Zweizig, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County (MHRBUC), said it is important to make mental health resources available to those in domestic violence situations.
MHRBUC has a 24/7 crisis hotline that can be reached at (800) 731-5577. Those who feel more comfortable texting can also send “4help” to 85511.
Zweizig said the agency’s goal is to provide appropriate services from a trauma-informed stance, meaning staff members view the traumatic situation an individual has faced through their lens.
“Trauma is trauma as it is to them,” she said.
She said MHRBUC can provide a number of behavioral health services, namely through its primary provider, Maryhaven.
Zweizig said walk-in crisis hours are available at Maryhaven, 715 S. Plum St., Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals in need can go through a brief screening process, which can help connect them with services.
If warranted following a screening, the person can schedule an assessment with a clinician.
Depending on the individual, Zweizig said appropriate resources can include outpatient therapy, group therapy or medication prescribed by a psychologist or psychiatrist at Maryhaven.
Zweizig emphasized that children can also be affected by violence or abuse within their homes.
She said local law enforcement has a program called “Handle with Care,” through which officers alert school officials when a domestic violence incident has occurred at a student’s home.
Zweizig said specific details will not be shared, but teachers will know to “give them some latitude” if a student is struggling following such an event.
Additionally, Zwiezig noted that “navigators,” who can help connect students in need with appropriate resources, are present in local school buildings.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office also offers the Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA) program, which assists those going through the legal system after facing domestic violence.
Three full-time victim advocates are employed through the VOCA program. They serve to accompany victims to court, inform victims of the status of their case and their rights, assist victims with filing for protection orders and safety planning, help victims apply for compensation or restitution, and provide victims with referrals for counseling and other resources.
Those with questions about VOCA can call (937) 645-4160, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While Union County has a variety of resources available, several agency leaders noted the lack of an in-county shelter for those facing domestic violence.
Since Union County does not have a shelter, those trying to escape abusive or violent households are often referred to Turning Point in Marion or Delaware, Zweizig said.
Those facing domestic violence can text “turningpoint” “turning point” “tphelp” or “turning” to 20121 to receive help, or call Turning Point’s 24/7 crisis hotline at 1 (800) 232-6505 or (740) 382-8988.
“Turning Point provides victims/survivors of domestic violence and their children with safe, secure, temporary shelter in a comfortable atmosphere,” according to the shelter’s website.
Along with providing housing, Turning Point provides food, transportation, individual and group education and support, victims’ rights advocates and help finding transitional housing.
Although its two shelters are located in Marion and Delaware, Turning Point serves domestic violence victims and their families from Union County, among other areas.
All of Turning Point’s services are free of charge and confidential.