Pretty in
Purple
Survivor Resource Network sets the runway for the Purple Affair Fashion Show Story by Laina Smith/Staff Writer | Photos provided by Photography By Jess The Survivor Resource Network is a nonprofit, United Way organization based in Ponca City, Oklahoma, benefiting survivors and families of those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
“In 1996, the shelter was actually built,” Executive Director Tara Tyler said. “It’s on 13th Street across from Executive Inn. It’s five bedrooms, but four people and cribs and stuff can be per room. It can actually hold up to like 25 if we need to.”
The agency was founded in 1979. It was initially a hotline for domestic violence and has turned into an agency and shelter since then.
Since COVID-19, the crisis center has seen almost a 50% increase in calls, with 345 in 2020. The network’s shelter is almost always at capacity. In 2020 the shelter served 63 adults, 45 children and seven pets. The shelter typically has a mixture of families and singles and a mix of men and women of all ages. It is open 24/7, 365 days a year. “We were one of the first agencies in Oklahoma to do that,” Tyler said. “First shelter in Oklahoma to be inclusive, regardless of gender orientation, that type of thing.” The shelter offers a fully stocked kitchen for residents to use. On top of that, residents with animals can also use the network’s kennel to house their pets. The Survivor Resource Network offers not only a hotline and shelter but many other resources for victims such as counseling, case management, support groups for victims and children held on Monday and Thursday nights, an in-shelter attorney and more.
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“We have a full-time counselor that is at the shelter,” Tyler said. “She’s free. Her counseling services are free, which is a big deal. She assists those. She is domestic violence sexual assault and also children that have witnessed or experienced domestic violence or sexual assault.” In addition to those services, the network provides a child advocacy program for those staying in the shelter or utilizing other programs and an on-scene advocate involved with the Ponca City Police Department. The on-scene advocate can transport from the scene to the shelter or provide safety planning. “I’m really thankful for Chief Bohan and his commitment to serving crime victims,” Tyler said. “Because that’s what all of our victims are, crime victims.” In addition to the PCPD, Survivor Resource Network works closely with the tribal nations in the community. “We started this in 1979,” Tyler said. “Our Native American tribes and nations that are in our community, the six nations, their programs that they have been able to develop and open in terms of victim services. In terms of housing, it’s just made such a huge difference … We’re very thankful for all the tribes.” See PURPLE Continued on page 9
