Their website (turningpointlincolncounty.org) states the following sobering facts:

• Every 15 seconds a woman is physically abused by her partner in the U.S.

• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the U.S.

• 85% of domestic violence victims are women.

• 1 in every 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

• Domestic Violence does not discriminate. It occurs across all sectors of society, in all social, economic, racial, and religious backgrounds.

“I was at a loss,” says an anonymous client of The Turning Point. “When my relationship deteriorated over many, many years and divorce was inevitable, I had few friends and no family in this state. Being somewhat new to town, I didn’t have many to talk to about something so private and devastating, nor anyone of whom to ask advice. However, someone suggested The Turning Point.”

The agency offers support and advocacy for victims of physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Bobbie Orcutt, executive director, states, “You are not alone. We walk you through the legal process and assist with safety planning, legal planning, and financial planning.” The Turning Point will also help you file an order of protection, offer temporary housing and transportation, and can “connect you with other agencies that can assist and support you.” All services are confidential and free.

You can contact The Turning Point at their 24-hour crisis line: Kemmerer: (307) 877-9209  Afton: (307) 885-9491

“As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault,” says Orcutt, “I feel it is important to advocate for victims and help empower them to find their voice! That is exactly what The Turning Point does. We help victims in some of their darkest times and help them maneuver their next steps and provide services and resources to help them grow and blossom.”

The Turning Point is the only program in Lincoln County that offers services of this kind. During their last fiscal year, the agency supported over 80 of our community members and provided over 1100 services. This year, just as many people will need their help. So what can we as a community do?

The Turning Point is always in need of monetary donations and volunteers. Their website states, “Volunteers are the epicenter of The Turning Point. Providing advocacy, support, and a listening ear 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Prior experience is not required; the only prerequisites are compassion and a desire to make a difference.”

“I was heartbroken,” continues the anonymous client, “hesitant to open up to strangers about things I’d kept secret, and also extremely embarrassed, but I knew my kids and I needed someone to turn to, even just to talk, so I contacted them through Facebook. They replied within minutes. . . .

“ . . . The information and resources I received were valuable, insightful, and eye-opening. There were avenues and pathways to being on our own; I was not shackled. My kids and I were not alone!

“Today, I am happily remarried with a big, blended family. I feel strong, confident, and secure in who I am and I want to teach all of our combined kids the same values and morals I was raised with. “I also want them to know it’s okay to speak up, tell someone if something bad is happening, and seek out people and information to improve their situation. The Turning Point helped me realize that you don’t have to feel alone or helpless. It’s okay to feel, express, share your emotions. . . .“I would not be where I am today without The Turning Point. I’ll be forever grateful.”

If you or someone you know is in need of the resources and services The Turning Point offers, don’t hesitate to reach out. They are ready to be a light in dark times. They will guide you to better circumstances and a better life.