Food Security Saint Lucia Project #59142

Ensure food supplies help us build a Pantry

by Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia Inc

Project Report | Nov 7, 2023
Food! The Most Need of A Domestic Violence Victim

By Catherine Sealys | President

Food can be one of the most important factors for a domestic violence victim for several reasons:

Basic Survival

Food is a fundamental necessity for survival. Victims of domestic violence are sometimes at risk of physical harm or death, and access to food can be a matter of life and death in some cases. Ensuring that a victim has enough to eat is crucial for their immediate safety and well-being.

Control and Manipulation

Abusers often use food as a means of control and manipulation. They withhold food as a form of punishment or threaten to do so to assert power and control over their victims to create a sense of fear and dependency on the abuser.

Economic Dependence

Many victims of domestic violence are economically dependent on their abusers, access to food can be limited if the victim does not have financial resources or control over their finances, making them more vulnerable to their abuser's demands.

Isolation

Abusers isolate their victims from friends and family, making it difficult for the victim to seek help or access food resources. This isolation can increase the victim's reliance on the abuser for basic needs, including food.

Emotional Support

Sharing a meal can be a social and emotional connection, and it may be one of the few times when a victim and their abuser interact in a less hostile or confrontational manner, this can create a complex emotional attachment that makes it harder for the victim to leave the abusive relationship.

Barriers to Leaving

Lack of access to food is one of the barriers that prevent victims from leaving an abusive relationship. They may worry about how they will feed themselves and their children if they leave the abuser this fear can keep them trapped in the abusive environment.

Nutrition and Health

Sustaining a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for physical and mental health, domestic violence can lead to physical and emotional trauma, and proper nutrition is necessary for recovery and overall well-being.

In recognition of the importance of food for domestic violence victims, we recognize the importance of food resources, to help victims regain their independence and escape abusive situations to address the immediate needs of victims and offer them a pathway to safety, self-sufficiency, and recovery. Continue to donate so we may support those who are food insecure.

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Jul 17, 2023
HOW DOES A DEDICATED PANTRY SUPPORT DV VICTIMS

By Catherine Sealys | President

Working on Foundation

A dedicated pantry space to store food supplies safely can greatly support and assist victims and survivors in several ways: -

To store essential items such as non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, baby supplies, and cleaning supplies. These items can be made readily available to victims and survivors who may need immediate assistance or are seeking refuge in a safe space.
Victims of domestic violence often flee their homes with little to no personal belongings. Having a pantry stocked with essential items ensures that their basic needs including clothing, bedding, toiletries, and other necessities.
A well-stocked pantry can provide victims and survivors with nutritious food options, helping to ensure they have access to balanced meals. This is particularly important as they may have limited financial resources or face challenges in accessing food due to their circumstances.
Knowing that there is a dedicated space where they can find essential supplies can help create a sense of security for victims and survivors. It provides them with a reliable resource within the organization, giving them the confidence that their immediate needs will be taken care of.
By having access to a dedicated pantry, victims and survivors can exercise some autonomy and choice in selecting the items they need. This empowers them and restores a sense of dignity, as they are not solely dependent on others for their necessities.
A dedicated pantry allows the organization to efficiently manage its resources. It provides a centralized location for inventory management, restocking supplies, and ensuring that items are readily available when needed.
Our pantry serves as a hub for community donations and collaborations. Local businesses, community members, we will advocate to organizations to contribute to the pantry by providing food, supplies, etc. to help fulfil our organizations mission.

Overall, our dedicated pantry space will play a crucial role in supporting domestic violence support services. It will help meet the immediate needs of victims and survivors, promotes their well-being, and fosters a sense of safety, empowerment, and dignity during a challenging period in their lives.

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