Volunteer Spotlight - Susan Denne
Susan Denne attended Helpmate’s volunteer training in March 2009 and immediately began assisting with our Court Advocacy program. Over the last two years she has supported many of our clients who were navigating the court system in order to hold their abusers accountable for their behavior.
Her calming presence has been a tremendous help to these clients during a very stressful and overwhelming time in their lives. We asked Susan to comment on her experience of working with survivors in the court system:
"Just keep breathing!" When I left hospital nursing I assumed that was a sentence I would leave behind. What I discovered however, was that it came in handy during my twenty some years of parish ministry, too. When people are in pain, when they are frightened, when they feel like they will faint or even "feel like I'm going to die" the simple words, "just keep breathing, deeply" offered from someone they can trust to be there, help. It helps a great deal in the court room when women who have literally been beaten down in a relationship, find someone who will help explain what is happening in this strange place, sit next to them when their abuser enters the room, give them an encouraging nod as they move before the judge, and tell them they have done a good job of representing themselves when they are through. "Just take some slow, deep breathes" and show them by example, it sometimes even evokes a smile but usually at least a straighter back and a more confident demeanor. One of the convictions of my Christian faith is that God intends that all of her children live full and meaningful lives, free from fear and intimidation. It is a joy to stand with these brave women as they begin the journey in that direction, even if it is only for the few minutes or hours in a court room. "Just breathe deeply!"
Susan also firmly believes that education and awareness about domestic violence is crucial in stopping the epidemic of abuse. She has served as a Pastor or Associate Pastor in five Presbyterian churches around the south and before she retired in January of this year, she was Pastor of Montreat Presbyterian Church. Susan’s leadership roles have given her a great opportunity to address this issue within the faith community and she has spoken out about domestic violence from the pulpit on occasion. Susan’s work within the faith community and within the court room has made a positive difference in many people’s lives. She does not simply talk about domestic violence, but she also donates her time and energy to assist those who have survived it. Thank you for all you do Susan
