Wrapped in support: Volunteers weave items for abused women

Pantagraph - 2/19/2018

Feb. 19--NORMAL -- Comforting those who have experienced domestic violence is just as important as putting an end to the problem.

That was the belief of several women who broke out their needles and yarn for several hours Saturday to knit and crochet hats and scarves for women and children who have been abused.

The Normal Public Library hosted the second annual Scarves of Strength event, collecting items to donate to Neville House, a McLean County agency that assists victims of domestic violence.

The library is collecting donations of knitted and crocheted items through the end of the month.

"There was this need for people to feel like they can do something to help. You can use your talent to make a difference in someone's life," said Lisa Knuffman, library assistant at Normal Public Library.

Each handmade item donated to the cause was paired with a comforting message for the recipient: "Sister, you have been given a scarf of strength -- a gift from strangers to let you know that you are not alone. Every stitch is bound with thoughts of you to help give you strength in your time of need. Wear it with confidence that you are cherished."

Knuffman said the goal is to remind victims that they have support in the community.

"We want them to know their voice matters. We're here to support them, even if it's just through a handmade hat," she said.

Nancy Anderson of Normal unraveled a ball of hot pink, glittery yarn to crochet into a slouchy hat.

She said the idea of supporting women through gestures of kindness is needed.

"You can donate money and take action through the government to stop this, but after that, this item might give someone the idea that, 'OK, I can get through this,'" said Anderson. "I think people will soon find out the importance of women."

A thick, red scarf gradually formed in the lap of Clare Jahnke of Normal. She joined the cause in honor of her late grandmother, who made baby blankets for mothers in abusive relationships.

"It was a cause that was important to her, so now it's important to me," said Jahnke. "I hope whoever receives this knows it was made with love. If it offers them any amount of comfort in a difficult time, that makes me happy."

Kim Tingley of Normal also worked away on a soft blue scarf to donate Saturday.

"It's something I really enjoy doing and I want women at the Neville house to know people are thinking of them and that they're connected to a larger community," she said.

The issue of domestic violence is one that needs more attention, said Tingley.

"It's hard to keep the issue in the public eye because, too often, the women who experience it feel shame or feel alone. Despite that, we should reach out and offer support to them while respecting that line of anonymity," said Tingley.

If anyone is in need of an emergency shelter or counseling, they can call a 24-hour, confidential hotline for the Neville House domestic violence shelter at 309-827-7070. The McLean County Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Unit can help victims of domestic violence pursue orders of protection and provide legal advocacy at 309-888-5521.

Subscribe to The Pantagraph

Reporting like this is brought to you by a staff of experienced local journalists committed to telling the stories of your community.

Support from subscribers is vital to continue our mission.

Become a subscriber

Thank you for subscribing

Your contribution makes local journalism possible.

Follow Julia Evelsizer on Twitter: @pg_evelsizer

___

Visit The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Ill.) at www.pantagraph.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.