Our Navigators are central to the work at the Greene County Family Justice Center (GCFJC). They provide advocacy and support to survivors experiencing domestic violence while helping coordinate the services offered by GCFJC’s multidisciplinary team of victim service providers. We asked five Navigators a series of questions to learn more about their experiences, what led them to this work, and what keeps them coming back day after day.
How did you first become interested in being a navigator for GCFJC? In other words, what’s the story behind your “why”?
T: When I heard about the GFCJC, I was working as an Advocate in Harmony House’s shelter. I had the opportunity to shadow at the GCJFC for a day, and I was so impressed by how the agencies in the building work together. Whenever a client that walked into the FJC and met with a Navigator, it was like the Navigator was facilitating a high-risk, multidisciplinary care team for the client with every single client interaction. The collaboration and the opportunity to coordinate services with other service providers was so unique and efficient, it really feels like we are helping people and helping them get their goals accomplished just in one visit.
D: As a former victim of domestic violence, it was my personal experience with my DV advocate that led me to return to college and get my degree to be able to work with victims of domestic violence. When I interviewed and toured the FJC, my passion to help other victims/survivors of DV was renewed. I have been delighted every day to be able to collaborate with our on-site partners to ensure that we are able to work through any barriers to service and provide the best practice, trauma-informed services to our clients.
S: At my last job, I worked with children who were in homes that domestic violence was previously present in. I saw the impact that it not only had on the children, but also the caregivers that had experienced DV. Seeing how it affected the adult in the home made me realize that I wanted to do more to help that specific side of things.
How does working as part of a collaborative FJC team change the way you’re able to serve survivors?
C: At the FJC, we are privileged to have members from many collaborative partner agencies on site. Being able to collaborate with these partners while the client is physically in the building allows us to provide immediate and coordinated support, which reduces barriers and caters to each survivor’s individual needs.
T: You never picture yourself being in a situation where you would need services like this and so it makes sense that you would not really know what services are available or what services would even help the situation. But having an FJC, it not only makes those services accessible all in one place, but it’s a gift to show people what there is available to them.
E: Instead of navigating complex systems alone, survivors benefit from a team that communicates, shares expertise, and works toward the same goal. Instead of survivors running around town and retelling the same story over and over again, we have the benefit of minimizing re-traumatization and helping them feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
What is the number one misconception people have about domestic abuse?
S: “Why didn’t they just leave?” I hear this all the time from anyone who doesn’t understand how domestic violence works. There are so many factors that play into someone planning on leaving an intimate partner; financials and having a safe place to go are two of the biggest ones that we see. It’s hard to leave when you don’t have somewhere to go or know what to do next, that’s why safety planning is such an important thing that we do here.
D: That domestic violence doesn’t affect people in all walks of life; there is no “typical abuser” although patterns of coercive control are common in all abusers.
C: It is always physical. Many survivors have experienced abuse that is verbal, emotional, psychological, and financial. Abuse is often rooted in manipulation, isolation, intimidation, and control in addition to (or without) the presence of physical abuse. Expanding the general public’s understanding of what domestic violence actually looks like validates survivors whose experiences don’t fit the stereotypical image of domestic abuse.
E: Survivors can “just leave”. Leaving is often the most dangerous time for a survivor, and many are actively making calculated decisions to survive. Abuse is about power and control, not a lack of awareness or strength.
S: That only women can be abused. We know that statistically, it is more common for women to be abused than men. However, there are so many men that experience domestic violence, and many are afraid to seek help due to this misconception. They are scared that they won’t be believed or assume that the help that is available is only available for women.
What’s something you do frequently that most people would never think of, but is essential to keeping someone safe?
T: We do a lot of planning around physical safety, but I also think emotional safety is so important. Sometimes even if you are in a safe environment, your brain is still in fight or flight. Sometimes even if you are out of a dangerous environment, that’s where all the emotions hit you. Making sure someone is getting the resources they need or has the tools to help regulate themselves during really stressful moments in their lives is so important and something I try to prioritize.
D: We discuss safety planning specific to the client needs based on services received. For example, with an ex parte petition we are going to safety plan for all situations that could arise whether it is planning for what to do if an order is granted or denied. We provide material safety kits including personal body alarms, door stops, window/door alarms, and doorbell cameras where needed to increase safety.
How do you personally carry the emotional weight of this work without becoming numb or overwhelmed?
C: Being able to rely on the other Navigators for support and assistance is crucial to avoiding burnout. If I need advice, reassurance, or a listening ear while I process a difficult interaction or situation, I know there is support available. Additionally, I am intentional about leaving work at work. As soon as I step into my car, I make a conscious effort to shut off my work brain so that I can protect my own mental and emotional well-being. Creating that boundary helps reduce the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. It allows me to show up the next day with the same level of motivation for serving our clients.
S: Understanding that I can’t fix everything. An important part of this job is being client-led, meaning we don’t make the decisions for our clients, they get to choose what they want to do, and we provide support and education through it. I think that helps me not become burnt out because when things don’t work out well, I know that I did as much as I could, and the outcome isn’t on my shoulders. Also, focusing on the success stories and celebrating little wins is extremely important in this work.
What’s a small victory that might seem ordinary to outsiders, but feels enormous to you?
S: Getting a client into shelter. There are so few shelters and hardly any available beds, so when we are able to get a client into shelter, it’s a huge accomplishment, especially because it could mean the difference between a client leaving their abuser or not. Getting into shelter means a safe place for the client and their kids to stay, access to basic necessities, and case management to help them become self-sufficient apart from their abuser.
J: When someone enters the building to talk and seek services. When someone is experiencing domestic violence there may be a myriad of reasons as to why they don’t seek help from a service like the FJC. Maybe it’s unsafe to leave, maybe they don’t fully realize what they’re experiencing, or maybe they don’t know that something like the FJC exists. The fact that someone walks into the FJC building is a huge step on that person’s journey, no matter what stage on the journey they’re in.
What’s one thing you would tell somebody if they wanted to support the work of helping survivors of domestic abuse?
J: To believe no matter what your opinions, biases, or experiences are. The amount of people I have met with that either make statements saying they haven’t been believed or they think they aren’t going to be believed if they talk about it, or the way they interact with us shows that they have that fear, is astronomical. When they hear me say, “I believe you”, I can physically see a shift in their demeanor, something changes in their eyes, there’s a shift in how they talk. That simple statement can break down a barrier and give people the ability to have a conversation about what is going on, which can then lead to healing and change in the situation.
T: If you see or hear something, say something. Listening and reassuring without judgement will go a long, long way. A lot of things happen behind closed doors with few witnesses, which is why it’s so important to speak out and talk about domestic violence. If anyone is interested in helping the organizations that support survivors, donating time, supplies, or money is always welcomed.
At the end of the day, what keeps you coming back even after the hardest days?
S: Seeing the feedback that clients give after receiving services at the Family Justice Center always reminds me of how needed these services are. So many of them share how thankful they are for the services and for their advocate that helped walk them through processes that are so hard to navigate alone. Being reminded of that is what keeps me coming back. I know that what I’m doing here is making a difference.
E: I remind myself of the impact I have had on the clients I work with and all the smiles, the tears, and the small wins. Even on the hardest days, those moments are proof that the work matters and that I’m making a difference in ways that aren’t always loud but are deeply meaningful.
About GCFJC
The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.
Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education, and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.
We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.