In a perfect world Sparrow’s Hope would not exist. Director Ben Kellert would like nothing better than to tear down the walls, even though the facility is part of his life’s mission.
And yet we know this is unlikely to happen. Abuse in all its forms – physical, emotional and financial – seems to be alive and well.
It is not a new phenomenon. Nor is it a disease of the poor or limited to larger urban centres.
The fact is abuse thrives in even small, rural areas like Barrhead, however much we like to pretend otherwise.
Because it happens behind closed doors and remains a taboo subject, it is all too easy to sweep the issue away from public consciousness. It is all too easy to say the cries coming from a nearby house are none of our business, that the marks on a neighbour’s face were probably caused by a fall.
Yet it is this very mindset that is a dangerous part of the problem, helping to perpetuate cycles of abuse. Silence can be far from golden; it is insidious.
That is why society should applaud people like Kellert, who are trying to change attitudes and make a positive difference.
That is why we should also applaud the efforts of Barrhead IGA, which for the second year running held an apple-based dessert auction, raising much-needed funds for Sparrow’s Hope.
Sparrow’s Hope – Jesus in his teaching used the example of a sparrow when he illustrated the worth of an individual – offers a faith-based sanctuary to women throughout the area.
Coming under the umbrella of Youth For Christ Westlock, it provides a place where abuse victims can reside while they plan the next chapter of their lives. Care, training and help are offered for a variety of needs.
Since the six-bedroom facility has been operating, Kellert has experienced the joy of seeing a transformation in the lives of women, whose ages range from early 20s to mid 60s.
Amid the ongoing concern about abuse, Kellert detects a glimmer of light.He believes that today’s young women are less likely to tolerate an intolerable relationship. They are less likely to put up and shut up.
It is thanks to the Kellerts of this world that women are beginning to say enough is enough.
