The new head of the Julian Center, an Indianapolis organization that supports victims of domestic violence, says domestic violence has grown more prevalent in Indiana.
Melissa Pershing, who will officially take over as Executive Director at the Julian Center after Labor Day, said that from April to July of 2011 the center saw about 100 more calls per month than it did last year; shelter stays have increased by an average of five days.
It’s not just a problem for victims, according to Pershing. “Domestic violence has a significant impact on the workplace on our schools on our healthcare system. It‘s a business problem as much as it is a problem for the people who suffer it.”
Pershing will replace Ann Delaney, who stepped down after holding the post for 15 years. She said that with Indiana now ranking number two in the nation for teen dating abuse, the center has much more work to do. During her time as executive director, she plans to focus on partnering with other organizations committed to ending domestic violence.
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