Writer / Jennifer Magley
Tucked behind an unassuming street in Noblesville is Hamilton County’s most prominent resource in serving victims of domestic and sexual assault, Prevail Inc. This year, Prevail, the only broad-based victim service provider in Hamilton County, celebrates their 30th anniversary.
“Prevail has become an integral part of the Hamilton County community, collaborating with approximately 100 different agencies, departments or community groups,” says Prevail Executive Director Susan Ferguson. “With 30 years of experience, we play a role in all local initiatives addressing victims of crime and abuse.”
Countless security experts, magazines and online lists name Hamilton County’s cities of Fishers and Carmel as the safest in the nation. This said, violence, particularly domestic, still occurs. About 15 percent of Prevail’s clients come from out of the county to access their services while over 80 percent of those they serve are victims of domestic or sexual violence.
“While Hamilton County is one of the safest places in the country, domestic and sexual violence still happens here. We often tell people that they know someone who has been a victim of one of these crimes,” said Ferguson.
Last year alone, Prevail provided services to nearly 3,000 people in need. These services and programming are extensive, including Crisis Intervention, Self Sufficiency Services, Individual Services, Protective Orders and Victim Notification Services to name a few. “We host about 12 support groups each week that serve child, adolescent and adult victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” says Ferguson.
With these kinds of services offered 24 hours a day, free of charge, the number one expense is staffing. Community support is key in empowering Prevail to continue to work for another 30 years. Donations of time, products, money and advocacy are ways to contribute to Prevail as well as their annual Anniversary Gala.
Looking forward, Prevail believes that violence is preventable and is currently an applicant to provide services for a domestic violence shelter in Hamilton County. It will be the first such shelter of its kind in the area. “As we look back on 30 years, we have to give credit and thanks to the hundreds of people and entities who have contributed their time, talent and treasure to make this agency what it is today.”
Visit prevailinc.com for more information.
