The document discusses the history and services provided by the American Red Cross. It notes that the Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton and has aided in emergency prevention and response both nationally and internationally for over a century. The Red Cross works to prevent and alleviate human suffering during disasters by organizing volunteers and using donor funds. It provides services like healthcare, shelter, food, blood supplies, and support for military members and their families. The Red Cross offers opportunities for involvement ranging from volunteering to careers in disaster relief. It provides certifications in babysitting and lifeguarding for teens. Overall, the Red Cross aims to improve lives and communities by empowering ordinary people to help others during times of need.

1. Running head: Operation Hope
Operation Hope 2
Safe Haven
Sherry Best
Grantham University
April 8, 2016
Everyone has the right to a life without abuse or the fear of
living through violence circumstances on a daily basis. Safe
Haven has been in operation since 1983, it is an organization
that serve as a shelter for victims of domestic violence and
sexual abuse. In Mississippi this organization serves several
counties such as Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay, Monroe, Choctaw,
Webster, Attala, Montgomery, Calhoun and Chickasaw. The
website, WomenShelter.org provides access to finding shelters
for those who are in need of these facilities quickly. Shelters
offer refuge to abuse victims, but they also operate Hotlines,
which are there in most cases so that the victims can find the
resources for help and even just to have someone to talk too.
They offer shelter, and also they assist with transitional

2. housing, family shelters for those who have children, residential
treatments centers, with other residential services for women.
Furthermore, Safe Haven shelters are located in many state
worldwide (Safe Haven Columbus Ms - Domestic Violence
Shelter, 2016).
Suppling a safe haven or place to the women and children in our
communities from domestic violence and abuse should be the
responsibility of every society and culture. Even through there
are numerous shelters within our communities that offer victims
of violence and abuse a place of safety, but there are large
recorded fatalities of violence against women, and the numbers
are enormously higher than that of men.
The number of American troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq
between 2001 and 2012 was recorded as 6,488, whereas the
number of American women documented as murdered by current
or ex male partners during the same time period was 11,766.
This example shows there have been more fatalities in violence
against women than that of military fatalities during the war.
Statistics illustrates that 85 percent of domestic violence is
women and around 15 percent will be men (Vagianos, 2014).
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence accounts the
role of the victim and the fact that they must find alternate
living arrangements as fast as possible, which could offer the
protection needed against their abusers. We understand that
domestic violence is the essence of willful intimidation,
physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other forms of
abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and
control that is perpetrated by one intimate partner against
another. This could include physical or sexual violence, and
also psychological and emotional abuse. The regularity and
harshness of the abuse can differ significantly, but nevertheless
the one constant component of domestic violence or abuse is
one partner’s unfailing efforts to maintain power and dominates
over the other partner (National Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, 2016).
Violence against women includes all verbal, physical, and

3. sexual assaults that intrudes upon the victim’s body. This
ferocity has been identified as a major public health and human
rights issue and is documented as a legitimate rights issue that
is a substantial threat to women’s health. The highest level of
violence and sexual abuse was reported to the victim’s medical
providers such as psychiatric, obstetrics and gynecology clinics
(Samia Alhabib, 2010).
Why do women suffer in silence at the hands of their abuser?
The effects of any type of abuse is extensive which has a
considerable effect on the health and emotional wellbeing of
those who are affected. There are many cultural and social
factors that suggest why women of all ages stay in relationships
where they are being abused such as, psychological health
issues of having a sense of their identity has been stripped
away, how to get over the obstacles that the abuse seems to
mount against them, and not being aware of the services in their
communities that could help them leave the abusive life style
(McGarry & Simpson, 2010).
Getting out of an abusive relationship isn’t simple. The victim
may think things will change, or they’ll be afraid that their
partner will discover that they’re trying to leave. They are
probably under the impression that, they are trapped and don’t
know about the resources that are available for them, which
could include a crisis hotline, shelters, legal services and
childcare. It is important to note that domestic violence does
not always manifest as physical abuse. But emotional and
psychological abuse can be just as extreme as the bodily kind of
brutality. The absence of brute force doesn’t necessarily mean
that the situation is not dangerous for the victim.
In the Essence periodical, “Break the Silence, Stop the
Violence”, on this subject matter one in three African-American
women has experienced domestic violence, and nearly 30
percent of us are likely to be in physically abusive relationships
at any given time. Essence did an investigation on domestic
violence and found several women, who had the courage to walk
away from their abusers.

4. ESSENCE investigates the epidemic of domestic violence
in our community and talks to four women who found the
courage to walk away. Most people will believe that the victim
has done something which caused the abuse and that it is their
own fault, but the questions that we should be addressing is
exactly how prevalent is domestic violence in our society? Or
why does she stay in that violent relationship? There are many
reasons why they may stay, perhaps by the time the batterer
punches, burns, cuts or shoots her, the victim, she's in all
probability finds herself isolated from family and friends, she
then becomes aware that she is reliant on her abuser for money,
validation, even love. But the main issue is that she possibly is
just afraid for herself and the lives and of her children. So most
will endure the suffering and keep quiet (Stone, 2009).
Again the prevalence of domestic abuse against women remain
high for women who are younger, economically dependent,
unemployed and with children. Also in most cases abuse is
perpetrated by the male partner against women, therefore it is
evident that domestic violence is influenced by our social and
cultural ideas within every community. Why and how the abuse
began, the method of abuse, why do they live with this abuse or
what they need to do to gain their independence are issues need
to continually be the focus on for women who find themselves
living in shelter’s while trying to focus on their children’s
welfare and achieving safe housing (Jan Bostock, 2009).
Violence from an intimate partner also brings about
environmental stress which results in mental health problems of
depression, anxiety, and PTSD for women and also behavioral
dysfunctions with the children who has suffered from abuse. If
allowed intervention can produce problem-solving abilities that
will be beneficial to/an increasing women’s skills or
capabilities in finding ways to destress their lives and to have a
positive influencing over the mental health of their children’s
behavior (Maddoux, Symes, McFarlane, Gilroy, & Fredland,
2014).
Domestic violence shelters at one time was kept secret, for

5. fear that the abuser would show up at the door. But Serenity, a
shelter in an Arkansas community moved into a new facility and
had a sign put out front. The director felt that if someone
needed help the sign would permit any victim to find shelter
faster. This shelter puts the safety of all its residents first,
because the shelter is out fitted with security cameras and an
alarm system for protection (Pieper, 2014).
Shelters for battered women provides a shield and serve as a
hiding place for victims and is usually the last resort for most.
The services that shelters provide for abuse women include,
physical protection and refuge for the victims and their
children, support and reinforcement for the women and their
children, preparation for their return into the community, and
enrichment programs as assistance for a new beginning.
Shelters in addition will provide information about alternatives
to life with a violent partner, with the added boost and strength
the women’s self-image grows and helping them to overcome
their fear, anxiety, and other reactions that had manifest in their
lives because of the violence they received from their
perpetrators. In the shelter the women thrive on the supportive
atmosphere they receive which allows them to develop positive
relations with the other ladies in the shelter.
A study was conducted to relate how the battered women judged
their experiences while living in a shelter. Most shelters have
rules and regulations to which the residents must live by. These
rules include times for leaving the premises, assigned duties,
child care, babysitting, safety rules and precautions, rules in
regards to any contact with their abuser, basically all
procedures they would have to follow while living in and
leaving the shelter.
While the data was gathered from September to March after
receiving the proper authorization from the directors of the two
shelters as well as being given approval from the Ethics
Committee. The researcher proceeds to interview the residents
of the shelters. During this time the victims came into contact
with other women who had experienced the same circumstances

6. with abuse. The ladies discussed their own experiences to life
in shelter living (Muhammad, Haj-Yahia, & Cohen, 2009).
Shelters operate by donations and volunteers, during the 50th
year anniversary the Mary Kay Inc. makes a sign substantial
donation of $3 million dollars in grants that was to be divided
between 150 shelters in 50 states in the District of Columbia
and Puerto Rico. Each shelter would collect in the amount of
$20,000 to be able to maintain critical services and programs
for the survivors of domestic abuse (The Mary Kay Foundation
(SM) Announces $3 Million in Grants to Domestic Violence
Shelters During Mary Kay Inc.'s 50th Anniversary Year, 2013).
Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every
community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual
orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It is often
accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior
that is only a fraction of a systematic pattern of dominance and
control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury,
psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The
devastating physical, emotional, and psychological
consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and
last a lifetime (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence,
2016).
Safe Haven and other shelters are constantly working hard to
provide safety and to encourage the victims to do extremely
well with taking control of their lives, by making available
activities that will ensure success in the undertaking of
rebuilding their lives after abuse. So if more companies and
leaders in our communities would follow the example shown by
the Mary Kay Foundation, we could help all shelters to meet the
extreme number of victims out there that need help in
reestablishing the lives of these beautiful women who have
suffered by the hands of others.

7. References
Jan Bostock, M. P. (2009). Domestic Violence Against Women:
Understanding Social Processes and Women's Experiences.
Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 95-110.
Maddoux, J., Symes, L., McFarlane, J. K., Gilroy, H., &
Fredland, N. (2014). Problem-Solving and Mental Health
Outcomes of Women and Children in the Wake of Intimate
Partner Violence. Journal of Environmental & Public Health, 1-
7.
McGarry, J., & Simpson, C. (2010). How domestic abuse affects
the wellbeinf of older women. Nursinf Older People, 33-37.
Muhammad, M., Haj-Yahia, & Cohen, H. C. (2009). On the
Lived Experience of Battered Women Residing in Shelters.
Jounral of Family Violence, 95-109.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2016).
Retrieved from http://www.ncadv.org/need-help/what-is-
domestic-violence
Pieper, K. (2014, 2 13). Violence Sheltwr Comes Out of Hiding.
Arkansas: USA Today.
Safe Haven Columbus Ms - Domestic Violence Shelter. (2016).
Retrieved from
https://www.womenshelters.org/det/safe_haven_columbus_ms_d
omestic_violence_shelter
Samia Alhabib, U. N. (2010). Domestic Violence Against
Women: Systematic Review of Prevalence Studies. Jounral of
Family Violence, 369-382.
Stone, R. D. (2009, 6). Break the Silence, Stop the Violence.
Essence.
(2013). The Mary Kay Foundation (SM) Announces $3 Million
in Grants to Domestic Violence Shelters During Mary Kay Inc.'s
50th Anniversary Year. District of Columbia: Business Wire.
Vagianos, A. (2014, 10 23). Huffpost Women. Retrieved from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/23/domestic-violence-
statistics_n_5959776.html

8. Impact Opportunities
By: Valerie Thames
General Education Capstone (GU299)
Instructor: Kathleen Petrie
03/08/2016
The American Red Cross has been aiding in the prevention and
response to emergencies not only throughout the United States
but also on a worldwide stage for well over a century. Clara
Barton traveled to Geneva, Switzerland in 1866 and became
involved in the European Red Cross during Franco-Prussian
War. Upon her return Clara; knew the essential needs of victims
of battle and went to the war zone with volunteers of the
International Red Cross, but to safeguard herself with the
recently accepted international symbol of the Red Cross (the
reverse of the Swiss national flag which bears a white cross on
a red field). http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/clara-
barton. Prepared with a signed document from the head of the
International Committee of the Red Cross, Barton took her
appeal to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877, but he viewed
on the agreement as a possible “entangling alliance” and vetoed
it. His replacement, President James Garfield, was
understanding and appeared all set to sign it when he was
assassinated. Lastly, Garfield’s successor, Chester Arthur,

9. signed the treaty in 1882 and a few days later the Senate
approved it.
As it is done within other organizations that come together with
the community in making a more positive environment. The
founding of the American Red Cross was an improvement
serving as a model for developing partnerships concerning
greater education foundations and community advancement.
This in turn provides relationships among businesses and
citizens that work together to make a safer community. (Journal
of Latinos & Education.2014, Vol. 13 Issue 2). The American
Red Cross does its best to avert and alleviates people from
suffering in the face of tragedies by organizing volunteers with
the power and the generosity of donors.The American Red
Cross, with the help of volunteers, contributors and partners, is
widely known for their persistence and always being there for
people in times of need. The American Red Cross encourages
the desire to turn empathy into action so that families and
communities affected by catastrophes from one place to another
across the country. They provide support in the form of health
care, shelter, and food on a world wide scale with the prayer
that our communities are equipped and organized for disasters;
each person in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood
and blood products; supporting families as well as family
members serving within our armed forces helping them by
providing the means to find support and comfort whenever
needed; trained individuals close by and ready to use their Red
Cross aids to save lives.
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of
others and broadening your own horizons, the American Red
Cross is a great organization to join. Their members and
instructors are zealous and serious about aiding people during a
time of financial need, family crisis and even in recreational
settings. The opportunities available within the American Red
Cross range from volunteering, to part time babysitting
certifications and lifeguarding, all the way to life long careers
in disaster relief on national and international levels. This is a

10. visionary charitable association dedicated to improving and
saving lives; working with ordinary individuals who have the
aspiration to do amazing things. Built upon diversity and open-
mindedness, the American Red Cross celebrates and embraces
all citizens and families. Its members share a mutual oath to
help people, not just in the situation of crises and ruins, but in
assisting people every day.
The American Red Cross offers local families recreational
assistance in everyday life. Children at the age of thirteen are
able to gain a babysitting certification where they are taught
first aid, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic
decision making and emergency prevention so that they can
learn the responsibility of caring for others and earning their
own money. At the age of fifteen, people have the chance to
take the lifeguard class. With this course come three separate
certifications: lifeguarding and first aid, Cardio pulmonary
resuscitation for the professional rescuer (CPR-PR), and
preventing disease transmission. These two courses provide
teens a new way to join the work force responsibly, and to do so
helping others.
The American Red Cross not only responds to emergencies
during and after their occurrence, but also and in my opinion
most importantly the American Red Cross assists the community
and its members to prevent emergencies before they happen.
They have the capability to achieve tasks that could not take
place without care and passion of employees, instructors, and
most importantly community volunteers. The assistance,
products, knowledge, and peace of mind provided are priceless.
These are there to help save and progress lives every single day
throughout the world. During my research regarding the
American Red Cross my interest was magnified because I
learned that the founder of the American Red Cross is a woman,
Clarissa Harlowe Barton.
Learning more about the person who started it gathering
information learning the history of who started The Red Cross I
grew to comprehend and appreciate her understanding and her

11. need to help the needs of other people in distress and the ways
in which she could deliver help to others guided her all
throughout her life. She opened gateways to new fields of
volunteer service. Researching and studying her life at;
http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/clara-barton
gathering and analyze information with a variety of websites,
and analyzing organizations with similarities. Although I have
not really found any results yet but what I hope to find within
my research is what did people in this that have to do in order
to succeed in society, in their goals and setting a stepping stone
for the rest of time. But what I hope to find would be learning if
I have the will stored within me to fulfill the tasks of owing a
business or am I going to fold.
One of the most significant parts of The Red Cross mission is
serving as a resource for our community. By approaching
community service with the goal of providing meaningful help
for community allowing students to see the use of concepts
learned in the classroom to real world situations; providing an
chance for learners to progress their understanding of their part
as citizens in a democracy; and giving students the chance to
reflect on the relationships between the classroom and real life.
Programs are intended to assist students by giving them the
experiencing first-hand the trials faced by people of diverse
backgrounds and to learn more about the schools social service
organizations, and other groups that address community needs.
For example during hurricane Katrina, all of a sudden
people came across multiple losses, including their homes;
savings, prescriptions, and passing of loved ones. Hurricane
Katrina left behind such destruction and devastation, survivors
required help and to help take precaution for years to come;
making an impact for great opportunities.
Resources:
1. http://www.redcross.org/about-us/careers/culture
2. http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/clara-barton

12. 3. http://web.b.ebscohost.com (Volunteering with the Red Cross
Family Emergency Relief Services)
4. http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Hurricane-Katrina-Led-
to-Largest-Red-Cross-Relief-Response
5. http://web.b.ebscohost.com (Vulnerable populations in an
American Red Cross shelter after Hurricane Katrina.)
6. Grow, Hamm, & Lee’s 8/15/2005, “The Debate over Doing
Good” Issue 3947, p76-78. Retrieved From:
http://web.a.ebscohost.com.
7. Building Strong Community Partnerships: Equal Voice and
Mutual Benefits.
By: Oberg De La Garza, Tammy; Moreno Kuri, Lissette. Journal
of Latinos & Education. 2014, Vol. 13 Issue 2, p120-133. 14p.
DOI: 10.1080/15348431.2013.821064.
8. Lack of national primary care organization partnerships with
community groups to promote health care reform.
Schlaff AL; American Journal of Public Health, May2005;
95(5): 832-834. 3p.
9. A Participatory Planning Approach to Enhancing a
Historically Black University-Community Partnership: The Case
of the e-City Initiative.
By: Lowe, Jeffrey S. Planning Practice & Research. Nov2008,
Vol. 23 Issue 4, p549-558. 10p. 1 Chart, 2 Maps.
10. Vulnerable populations in an American Red Cross shelter
after Hurricane Katrina.
Authors: Saunders JM
Source: Perspectives in Psychiatric Care (PERSPECT
PSYCHIATR CARE), Feb2007; 43(1): 30-37. (8p)
Peer Review Evaluation Rubric
For this week’s peer review activity, you will return to the week
five “Rough Draft” board and choose

13. two of your fellow students’ drafts to review. To ensure that
each student in the class has the
opportunity to receive a review on his or her work, you are
asked to choose drafts that have either
not yet been reviewed, or those which have no more than one
review completed. Your peer review
grade will be based on the quality and depth of the review you
provide for each review.
In addition to the rubrics provided below, please refer to the
assignment criteria sheet.
Speech Rubric
Grading Criteria Maximum
Points
Meets or exceeds established assignment criteria.
8-10 minutes in length 15
A clear thesis statement 15
Evidence supporting claims presented 15
45
Clearly presents well-reasoned ideas and concepts.
Used 10 reputable sources 30
30
Quality of Speech
Academic and professional appearance 10
Eye Contact, Body Language, Composure 5

14. Communication and Enthusiasm 10
25
Total 100
Presentation Rubric
Grading Criteria Maximum
Points
Meets or exceeds established assignment criteria.
8-10 minutes in length 15
A clear thesis statement 15
Evidence supporting claims presented 15
45
Clearly presents well-reasoned ideas and concepts.
Used 10 reputable sources 30
30
Quality of Presentation
Academic and professional appearance 10
Composure and Communication 5
Clear Organization of Presentation 10
25
Total 100

15. Paper Rubric
Grading Criteria Maximum
Points
Meets or exceeds established assignment criteria.
5-7 pages (approximately 1000-1250 words) in length 15
A clear thesis statement 15
Body supports claims presented 15
45
Clearly presents well-reasoned ideas and concepts.
Used 10 reputable sources 30
30
Quality of Writing
Academic and professional appearance (APA formatting) 15
Grammar and proofreading 10
25
Total 100