PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The role and response of law enforcement is always evolving, and now more than ever, they’re involved with trauma-informed care.
It’s not always easy for victims of or witnesses to a crime to share their story with police. That’s why the Green Bay Police Department has added a space inside its building to make those conversations more comfortable.
Just off the lobby sits a small room where police often talk with victims and witnesses of traumatic events.
“In the room itself, we had a couple chairs, we had a table. That wasn’t really sufficient for providing services to victims,” said Cmdr. Shannon Seymer-Tabaska.
Teaming up with St. Norbert College, and with the help of a Violence Against Women Act grant, GBPD worked with the director of SNC’s health and wellness programs to turn the space into a soft room.
A coat of fresh paint, in a soft tone, is only the beginning. A couch, chair, artwork and even plants make the room cozy and inviting.
Seymer-Tabaska said, “We’ve got some stuffed animals in there. We have some art supplies. That often is used in communication to kind of get information from children when they’ve been victims of crimes, as well as we have some sensory toys that are often calming for individuals that have been victims of crimes.”
The soft room simply provides a place where victims can feel safe.
“Often times, we service victims who’ve been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault — even some child abuse cases — that we need to bring the victim in and ask for their information related to the investigation. So, it really provides a space for them to feel comfortable and to be able to open up those lines of communication,” added Seymer-Tabaska.
The room officially went into service less than a week ago, and it’s already been a sanctuary for those dealing with a traumatic situation.
According to Seymer-Tabaska, “There’s been some return of property to next-of-kin citizens who’ve lost loved ones, and so, some of our evidence personnel have actually utilized the room with those families to return some of that property from those victims.”
Erin Bongers, director of health and wellness programs, and Jennifer Sovey, VAWA grant program director, on behalf of the St. Norbert College Health & Wellness Center, said about their involvement in the project:
The St. Norbert College Health and Wellness Center is honored to partner with the Green Bay Police Department in creating this important space for families during some of their most difficult moments. This room was made possible through funding from the Violence Against Women Act Grant, in collaboration with Family Services Sexual Assault Center, Golden House Domestic Violence Services, and local law enforcement. The project reflects St. Norbert College’s deep commitment to the Norbertine value of stabilitas loci, our enduring responsibility to care for and serve the needs of our local community. It is a meaningful example of how organizations can work together to promote dignity, compassion, and healing.
Police expect the room to comfort victims and witnesses for years to come.
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