Helping survivors of domestic violence
and sexual assault

By Melanie Davis

Celebrating a continuum of success is what keeps Angela Greene coming to work everyday. As shelter case manager for OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Services, Information and Shelter), Greene helps the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse or assault.

A perfect winding-down activity for Angela Greene is playing with puppies Wentworth, left, and Kodiac. Photo by Mark Mitchell

The continuum of success she is referring to are the cases in which the victims come forward for assistance.
“Even if a woman is only in the shelter one night and returns to the abusive partner, that is a success. She will be more likely to reach out in the future,” Greene said. “Knowing that someone is safe, for one night or long term, and knowing that I played a role in that is rewarding.”

Greene’s duties with OASIS include working one on one with the women in the shelter. Together, they work out weekly goals to guide the victim to a life free of violence, the life of a survivor. This includes employment planning, budgeting, housing solutions and accessing other resources in the community, such as low cost child care.

Of course, the career presents challenges, as well. “The most difficult aspect can sometimes be hearing the abuse story. It is difficult to truly understand why one human being wants to hurt another,” Greene said.

After five years in this field, she understands the logical explanations of an abuser’s actions, but it is difficult to imagine the drive behind interpersonal violence.

Greene is up to the challenge, though. Help is her chosen career path. She graduated ASU with a bachelor’s in social work. Greene discovered OASIS while an undergraduate at ASU, volunteering her time to answer crisis line calls. A brochure on dating violence was also a class project.

“Young people often don’t realize dating violence is domestic violence,” she said. “It happens outside of marriage and they don’t live together. It is important these for teens and young adults to recognize this behavior and be able identify an unhealthy relationship.”

Her ultimate goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker, a masters level career, with a specialization in trauma treatment. “My work with OASIS has helped clarify my life passion. Trauma is devastating, but it is possible to recover,” Greene said.

Currently, Greene is co-facilitating an 8-week, closed support group for survivors of sexual abuse or assault with Carlene Cox of Blue Haven Counseling Services. Cox is a licensed clinical social worker. “She is a mentor for me. It is great to learn from her in a field I will eventually pursue,” Greene said.

The support group is a source a excitement for Greene. “Seeing these women transform from victim to survivor as they realize their own strength is amazing,” Greene said.

The job can present more personal challenges, as the career immerses the employee in interpersonal violence. There can be a tendency to carry work home in your mind, or literally bring paperwork home. “The initial drive can be to work steadily. However, you quickly learn a realistic balance is necessary,” Greene said.

There are several hobbies that calm Greene after a day’s work. She is an amateur photographer. “I enjoy photographing the people I love and our peaceful rural surroundings,” Greene said.

Hiking with her two dogs, Kodiak and Wentworth, also proves peaceful. A very supportive partner, Ryan, plays a large role in helping Greene process her feelings the job evokes. “We don’t talk specifics, but he listens to my side and reminds me that I am doing my best to make the world a little safer for others,” Greene said.

To join Greene and OASIS in their safety efforts, call OASIS at (828) 264-1532. Volunteers are always needed for crisis line, shelter work and special projects. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and OASIS will be coordinating several events throughout the month. Check the Mountain Times for information on upcoming events.