Jolynn Houchins, assistant director at Turning Point, was elected to the membership committee for the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. 

The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence aims to unite Missourians with a shared value that rape and abuse must end. It advances this value through education, alliance, research and public policy. 

Turning Point’s election to the membership committee will allow the two organizations to share information with each other and other domestic and sexual violence advocacy centers. Unity for these groups enable them to serve victims with better services and lobbying efforts in Jefferson City. 

“The committee is influential in policy making and standard practices for domestic violence and sexual violence victim service work around the state,” Houchins said.  

Houchins attended her first membership committee meeting Dec. 8. 

“There were several representatives from around the state present at the meeting. There was a great amount of energy and enthusiasm in the room,” Houchins said. 

Representatives come from independent organizations in the state that offer victims services for domestic violence. Because they are independent, they offer different services or approaches but have similar goals. 

“Even though there are a number of differences among the various programs, we are united around our desire to provide intensive, responsive and supportive programming for survivors,” Houchins said. 

Turning Point is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. It serves families in all or parts of Franklin, Gasconade, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles and Warren counties. Its goals are to reduce the frequency of domestic violence and sexual assault through support, advocacy and education.

Turning Point is funded by grants, court fees, municipal stipends and donations.  

Turning Point Executive Director Ellen Reed said Houchin’s election to the membership committee, “gives rural women a voice in domestic violence programs.”

She said Houchins is always focused on what’s in the best interest of the survivor.  

Membership with the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence offers education and continuing education to people who work or volunteer with victims groups. 

Houchins said victims in rural areas and cities experience different obstacles and different support systems. Their needs are different. That is something the membership committee will talk about.  

She added that programs for domestic and sexual abuse often come with underlying health issues. 

“The reality is, domestic violence and sexual violence and addiction can go hand-in-hand,” Houchins said, adding that assistance for those underlying issues need to change. 

“(We need to be) moving away from the idea that people who use are bad people. They need help and it’s much more challenging for them to get help,” Houchins said.

She said problems can compound and become a cycle of trauma, drugs and abuse.  

Houchins said organizations want to help. By forming a coalition, organizations across the state are sharing information and ideas to better serve those in need. 

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring the voices of survivors and advocates from our region to the state level. I am also excited for the opportunity to bring information and new ideas home to help victims in our service area,” Houchins said.