BEDFORD – Joe Diebert of the Domestic Violence Coalition presented a comprehensive report to the Lawrence County Commissioners on Tuesday morning, detailing how $30,000 in opiate funds had been utilized to support victims of domestic violence. Alongside this report, Diebert made a passionate plea for additional funding to continue and expand these critical services.
“I am giving you the good, the bad, and the ugly,” Diebert stated frankly. “This has been a very fruitful endeavor, though it is much more of a process than a project.” He emphasized his deep commitment to the cause, highlighting the pressing need for ongoing support for domestic violence victims in Lawrence County, where individuals are reportedly fleeing dangerous situations daily.
Diebert underscored the vital role of having advocates readily available to assist these individuals. “Now we have advocates on the spot to help. This is critical,” he explained. “They will then have a 24 to 96-hour stay to find the victim’s needed services. This community needs this. We are doing everything to keep people safe.”
The report covered the reporting period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, offering a snapshot of the challenges faced, the support extended, and the positive impact it had on those seeking help. Diebert stressed the significance of utilizing opiate settlement money for this purpose, stating, “The opiate money is given to counties to save lives.”
During this period, Becky’s Place served a total of 131 residents. Of these individuals, 63 were identified as victims of Domestic Violence (DV), comprising 37 women and 26 children. The report further highlighted the immediate crises faced by many seeking refuge, noting that 35 residents were actively fleeing a domestic violence situation at the time of intake, and an additional 23 residents reported experiencing abuse within the past three months to one year.
Beyond providing shelter, the coalition’s advocacy and crisis support extended to individuals who did not reside at Becky’s Place. The report stated that their advocates provided direct outreach and crisis intervention to 22 women who did not reside at the shelter.
“These women received support, resources, and advocacy during times of crisis,” the report emphasized. Additionally, the local Domestic Violence support group, Safety Net, had 23 participants over the past year, demonstrating the broader reach of the coalition’s support network.
The report also detailed the diverse range of support and services provided to victims, including:
- Transportation assistance
- Resources and referrals
- Car seats and children’s items
- Clothing and food
- Gas cards
- DV support groups
- Assistance with protective orders
- 24/7 access to emotional and practical support
Furthermore, the report underscored the crucial role of police collaboration in their efforts. “Our collaboration with local law enforcement agencies has significantly increased this year,” the report stated. In addition to the referrals from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Bedford Police Department, and Mitchell Police Department previously mentioned, the coalition also reported two referrals from the Indianapolis Police Department, indicating that their support network reaches beyond county lines in certain circumstances.
“This comprehensive overview of the Domestic Violence Coalition’s activities and the significant number of individuals they serve further emphasizes the critical need for continued and increased funding to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Lawrence County and the surrounding areas,” added Diebert.
