Below is a trio of letters that published in the Aug. 15 Elkhorn Independent:
Domestic abuse is already in the area
This week, the Elkhorn Common Council is planning to consider a proposal to allow a small domestic violence shelter to be housed in the offices of New Beginnings APFV. New Beginnings seeks to relocate to 20 N. Church St., which is a former medical building. As a community member and a downtown businesswoman, I support this.
Let’s be honest. Domestic violence exists across all communities and demographics. Building a new shelter will not bring domestic violence into the Elkhorn area because domestic violence is already in the Elkhorn area. It’s just hidden from sight.
A shelter will only help to meaningfully address the issue and provide relief to survivors who have no other options but to remain with violent abusers. They are our friends and neighbors, and they deserve our help and support.
Contrary to popular belief, domestic abuse impacts people of all classes and socio-economic status, therefore, framing domestic abuse as a problem of “other” people who will change the composition of the Elkhorn community is fundamentally misguided.
Most important, both the Elkhorn Police and the Walworth County Sheriff agencies support the creation of the new shelter because they know community-based services are critical to their ability to keep Elkhorn residents safe.
Common Council members, please approve this crucial project.
Sincerely,
E. A. Kinder
Happy Consignment
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Shelter project important and deserves support
Over the past year, New Beginnings APFV has developed a solid plan to move its offices and add a small domestic violence shelter to the former Aurora Medical Clinic at 20 N. Church St. in Elkhorn.
This issue is supposed to come before the Elkhorn City Council Aug. 19. This plan makes sense for Elkhorn. Security issues and other concerns voiced by opponents were addressed at the Plan Commission meeting on July 11 by New Beginnings.
I urge the City Council to say “yes.” I worked at the Walworth County Clerk of Courts Office before retiring in 2016. I know there are many women and children who need and would use this facility. A restraining order from the courts is an important tool, but it doesn’t mean the family will be safe. A shelter would provide a secure, private place to obtain services and move forward in a positive way.
The location makes sense because it is in a neighborhood designated as transitional. There are churches, houses, apartments, stores and restaurants. Plus, the Police Department is just across the street.
Please, Elkhorn, support this important project. Children in our community shouldn’t be living in fear.
Sincerely,
Susan Nesbitt
Elkhorn
______________________
Families need and deserve a safe place
This is an open letter to the Elkhorn mayor and members of the Elkhorn Common Council. I’m writing in support of the domestic abuse program center and shelter proposed near the square in downtown Elkhorn.
As the owner of The Infinity Center, which is at 5 E. Walworth St. in Elkhorn, I see more violence outside of downtown bars and deal with disorderly drunks regularly. Yet there are plenty of bars everywhere.
Please let this shelter be established. Let these victims have a safe place to rest their heads and to plan their futures without violence. I imagine they have plenty of restless nights. Maybe this can give these families a bit of peace. They deserve that and so much more.
I fully support this project, and I hope you will, too.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kristi Rogers,
Elkhorn
