For seventh and eighth grade girls in Colusa Girl Scout Troop , learning about what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in relationships prompted them to do something to help individuals and families trying to escape domestic violence while further laying the groundwork for their own adult relationships.
The Troop on Feb. 1 donated a collection of items to Karen’s House, a local nonprofit that was organized in memory of Karen Garcia, who was murdered in 2018 after trying to escape a troubled relationship with the father of her child, whom she had been with since the couple were in junior high.
Tootie Hackett, who founded Karen’s House after her friend’s death from blunt force trauma, said she had talked to the troop about domestic violence.
“I came and talked to them about what to look for and what happens,” Hackett said.
According to Hope Alliance, violent behavior typically begins between the ages of 12 and 18; about 33 percent of teens are in an abusive relationships; nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year; and one in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
Hackett said after speaking with the troop about the warning signs of domestic abuse, the girls decided to donate items to Karen’s House that are needed when victims need immediate assistance.
“We all pitched in and asked for donations,” said Scout Cindel Oliver, which allowed the troop to purchase most of the goods.
“Each of us also purchased one item – like a stuffed animal,” said Scout Faith Sines.
The items, which include a backpack and a travel case with a toothbrush, toothpaste and other hygiene items for men and women will be taken to the Karen’s House main office.
The project will complete the Troop’s requirements for each of the girls to receive the Silver Award, the Girl Scouts highest award, said Troop Leader Debbie Shantz.
The scouts will receive their awards during a ceremony at California State University, in Sacramento, on June 10, 2023.
The troop still plans to donate to Karen’s House on an annual basis, particularly socks and throw blankets, which are most needed.
The mission of Karen’s House is to advocate on behalf of victims of domestic violence and their children by providing a safe space that promotes intervention, prevention, awareness, and empowerment.
The organization continues to work with Colusa County to establish the first domestic violence shelter located within the county. ■