01-23-1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLAN^TNG COMMISSION WORK SESSION ON DOMESTIC ABUSE SHELTERS HELD ON JANUARY 6, 1995 shelter. He indicated that motels were typically used on a 1-3 day basis, and shelters would likely be used for a longer term or when there was a question of safety for the victim, which was always of concern to the officer. He reiterated that quite often the abuser is arrested on a typical fifth decree assault and is jailed for up to 36 hours. Judge Davidson indicated that all custodies are reviewed on a daily basis and the Court will decide whether an abuser is released or not. Rowlette noted that information provided by the applicants regarding Sojourner indicated they turned away victims on a daily basis due to lack of space, but that the information she is hearing todav su^^^^ests someihina else. Lt. Cheswick replied that in Orono's experience, the police have always bVen able to find a spot in a shelter for a victim who needs it. although he would not dispute that on i given day a given shelter might very well be full to capacity Peterson questioned whether Orono ’s response was to hand the victim a card and do nothing more for the victim. Lt. Cheswick replied that that was not the case. Schroeder suggested that it is more likely that the perceived low numbers of abuse in Orono are a function of population numbers as compared to the population of the much larger cities of Plymouth and Minnetonka w^-re the two nearest shelters are located. It was suggested that while the mcidence of abuse on a per capita basis may be as high in Orono as it is in other places, the numbers requinng the use of a shelter are relatively low compared to the numbers of people from the city of Plymouth requiring shelter in any given year. Judee Davidson suggested that Sojourner and Mission Ho.uc be contacted and asked if they keep track of where their calls are coming from and if so, provide that information for us. Planmng Commission directed staff to do so. Peterson noted that he volunteers in a homeless shelter m Minneapolis and they turn away people every night. Webber indicated that in their contacts with shelters she was advised that there is more demand for space than they can handle. Webber also indicated she would provide information regarding numbers accepted and turned away from area shelters. Schroeder suggested it may be appropriate also to ask area churches for any information they have or any referrals they have made regarding domestic abuse. Judge Davidson commented that her information is that churches often tell the woman she is subservient to her husband and she should go home and take care of her family, rather than offering shelter or solutions. i> e did not expect much information would be supplied by churches. She suggested talking to e Department of Human Services. Candy Rowlette suggested contacting Interfaith Outreacti. Greg Sichender suggested contacting Pyramid, a mental health clinic in Minnetonka. PlMi^g Commission also requested that they be provided with copies of the cards provided by our Police Department. Discussion continued regarding the need for shelter in Orono. Mabusth indicated that Orono officers she interviewed consistently commented that Orono residents have their own resources