PDC Orenda Center and Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Domestic Violence Advocate

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 -- 3:00 PM

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Personal Development Center is a private, non-profit victim services agency providing case management, advocacy, and prevention education to individuals and families in the North Wood County and Clark County area.

Having served the community since 1977, the agency has a history of identifying and addressing needs within an atmosphere of confidentiality and concern and provides a wide variety of services. I spoke with Carsyn, a Domestic Violence Advocate, and she discussed her role at the PDC.

Listen to the interview with Carsyn here!

Make sure to tune in each Tuesday for the month of October as we hear from other employees about the services they provide at the PDC Orenda Center.

(AI assisted transcription by Otter.ai)

Carsyn: "My name is Carson, and I'm a Domestic Violence Advocate with the Personal Development Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin. My role is to support survivors of domestic violence in some of the most difficult times in their lives."

"This support can look different every day, helping you navigate the process of getting a restraining order, to standing by your side in court, to developing personalized safety plans that fit your unique situations. The Personal Development Center has been serving our community since 1977."

"We are proud to provide free and confidential services to adults, families and youth throughout Clark and Wood County. Whether you're reaching out for yourself or someone you care about, we're here to help. While a big part of my role is working one-on-one with survivors, it is just as important to build a community that's educated, aware, and ready to respond."

"I work closely with local businesses and community organizations to raise awareness and strengthen the network of support available in our community to help aid survivors. Domestic violence often happens in silence and in isolation."

Many people think that this strictly looks like physical abuse, such as kicking and hitting, but a lot of the time, it may not be visible to the eye. Sometimes it looks like walking on eggshells around your partner to avoid an outburst, or being told countless times that you are worthless, that you start to believe it. It can mean having tight control over your finances to the point every transaction is monitored or being forced to isolate from people you care about the most."

"The abuse you endure does not need to have a bruise to be considered domestic violence, and I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home and relationships, no matter your background, your situation, or where you are in your journey. I'm here to support and serve you without judgement."

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.