Haven vigil puts light on domestic violence; Magill, Herkshan awarded

From HAVEN from Domestic Violence and the Wasco County Domestic Violence Council:

In honor of Domestic Violence Action/Awareness Month, HAVEN from Domestic Violence and the Wasco County Domestic Violence Council held their annual candlelight Vigil "An Evening of Light" on October 15 at Sorosis Park. 

This yearly event is used to shine a light on Domestic Violence and bring it out of the shadows where it flourishes.  This year 58 people were in attendance.  The theme of the evening was "Why I stayed" and featured excerpts from survivor statements as well as a very powerful story of survivorship that was shared by the survivor themself. 

Survivors of violence stay for a multitude of reasons, be they financial, religious, fear, and more.  Survivors of violence are more likely to die after they leave the violent relationship and the perpetrator has lost all control/access to them.  We must stop asking "Why didn't they just leave" and instead start asking the real question of "Why perpetrators of Domestic Abuse choose to abuse"? Because Domestic Violence is always a choice that is being made by the perpetrator.  

Each year The Passion Award is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond the scope of their paid position to support survivors of violence and improve their outcomes. 

Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill received the Passion Award for his support of survivors of violence.

This year's winner was Sheriff Lane Magill.  According to Marcee Kukal Manning, HAVEN from Domestic Violence's Executive Director, Sheriff Magill is a Unicorn in Law Enforcement, stating that "Lane consistently goes above and beyond to support survivors of violence and he has fostered a standard for care and consideration for survivors of violence within his agency that I have never experienced before when working with a Sheriff's Department. He leads by example, showing each and every survivor he comes in contact with respect and empathy. 

He doesn’t shy away from tough conversations when things go sideways between our agencies and he has consistently worked with HAVEN to come to a place of understanding in an effort to prevent future issues from arising, thereby improving survivor outcomes.  But most importantly he respects and listens to survivors and their advocates and expects his deputies to do the same".

The final award given during the evening was the "Angelica Mendoza Memorial Award". This award is not given every year. It is merit-based and is only given when an individual has been identified that meets the high bar set by Angelica Mendoza during her employment at HAVEN from Domestic Violence.

Angelica began working for HAVEN in July 2018.  While employed with HAVEN she worked tirelessly with survivors of domestic and sexual violence, with a special passion for the Latinx community and other marginalized members of our communities.  During her career, Angelica opened her home, 24 hours per day, to survivors.  She did this seven days a week, 24 hours a day! When someone knocked on her door for support, she was always there for them.

Charlieann Herkshan received the Angelica Mendoza Memorial Award for victim’s advocacy work with Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

Angelica with her extensive knowledge would reassure all of the survivors seeking assistance that local law enforcement was there to help them through the healing process, bridging a critical gap, for those who feared immigration issues or being otherwise marginalized.  Angelica was with them each and every step of the way. This year's Angelica Mendoza Memorial Award" was awarded to Charlieann Herkshan of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission where she works as a Victim's Advocate. Charlieann is deeply passionate about her work and cares for her community deeply.

She goes above and beyond in her work to make certain survivors of violence feel safe and supported through the legal process and/or those seeking restorative justice. In addition, Charlieann has organized events to bring awareness to Domestic Violence and MMIW/P (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women/Persons) and has helped build relationships with community partners that have improved survivor outcomes. Her work embodies the spirit and passion that is required by the Angelica Mendoza Award.