The Unsung Heroes of DaySpring Villa

Part I – Shawna Howard

"I love what I do and I love knowing that I make a difference, but some days I lose hope. Some days I feel the need is too great, the hurts are too numerous, and my heart is empty. Some days I have no love left to spill out."

As children, many of us grew up with an idea of what we might become as adults later in life – a fireman, nurse, teacher, doctor, musician, writer, engineer, business leader, or even president of the United States. Too often, those whose lives have led them to help others in crisis go unrecognized for the positive impact they make not only on strangers, but the families and friends of those strangers, and invariably the communities in which they live.

DaySpring Villa Case Manager Shawna Howard is one of those selfless individuals who knew from an early age that she wanted to create tangible change in the lives of people who desperately needed help; to make a difference that would forever leave her fingerprint on quiet triumphs and extraordinary successes. But working with domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors also leaves many fingerprints on Shawna, as it does the entire staff of DaySpring Villa, who come to know the victims and their stories, and share their personal journeys toward a life free of violence.

"For those of us who work with victims of trauma, our reactions can be similar to the post-traumatic stress of a battered woman or sex trafficking victim," Shawna says. "When we are repeatedly exposed to the violent and painful experiences of our guests, we begin to view the world as unsafe. This can sometimes cause us to become cynical, even angry, and to withdraw from life by putting up walls to protect ourselves."

Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious trauma affects individuals who regularly assist victims of trauma, such as clergy, front-line social service workers, justice system professionals, healthcare providers, humanitarian workers, first-responders, and journalists. To offset the potential for burn-out, over-sensitivity, sleeplessness and depression, Shawna believes in self-care.

"I believe that vicarious trauma is an inevitable part of working with trauma survivors," she says. "Yet it doesn't have to knock us out of the fight. We can address it by being aware of our limitations, balancing our work with rest and leisure, staying connected with each other, and renewing our strength in the Lord. Our guests' stories will change us forever. To honor them and ourselves, we must fill up with self-care and become the survivors we strive to teach others to be."

Editor's Note: For years, The Villa Voice has covered the stories of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual trafficking, overlooking the impact of pain, grief, and loss on the staff of DSV who dedicates their lives to helping these victims and survivors. It's time we recognize these unsung heroes who answer to a higher calling to help, heal and restore others. To all of our donors, volunteers, and those who believe in the tireless, beautiful work that DaySpring Villa demonstrates throughout the year, the editorial team asks that you keep the shelter's staff members in your hearts, thoughts and prayers every day.

Empathy and Determination

The intake process at DaySpring Villa involves a staff member whose job it is to gather information from a domestic violence or sex trafficking victim who either has made a desperate call for help, or referred to the shelter by law authorities, churches, or friends and family.

During this process, DSV staff members listen to the reasons these victims have chosen to escape a violent relationship or situation. They hear unimaginable accounts of abuse, sexual or physical assault, sometimes torture, and extra-ordinary violence that many of us will never experience in our lifetimes much less encounter in our day-to-day jobs.

Over time, the impact on DSV staff equally can be as traumatic as the victims they meet. Envision going to bed every night after witnessing a bloodied and bruised stranger begging for help and protection, afraid that her abuser will find her and their children, and exact revenge upon them.

The subject of healing also applies to the staff members of DaySpring Villa who received a life-calling to work with women of domestic violence and sex trafficking. These women are real-world heroines determined to heal the pain and suffering of abuse victims through kindness, patience, understanding, goal-setting, advocacy, and so much more.

In your hearts, thoughts and prayers, take a moment to thank these special individuals who work to make women whole again and our community a most unique center of selfless love and giving.