From Victim to Advocate
After years of trauma and domestic violence in her personal life, Etta Caver left a 24-year career at AK Steel for a chance to make a difference, using her painful experiences to help others who are suffering.
She works as a Victim Advocate for Community Behavioral Health doing what she wishes someone would have done for her many years ago. She speaks up for victims, shares information about the characteristics of abusers, and always assures the victims that it isn't their fault.
"My goal is to inspire these women to believe they are worth more than what they've been through."
Etta's Journey
To learn about Etta's experiences with domestic violence and how she was able to break free from her abusers, view September 2008 UC Magazine, "From Victim To Advocate".
Etta became a Victim’s Advocate in 2003 working with women who had been victimized by their intimate partners, first in Middletown Municipal Court until 2006, and then for the county at Municipal and Area Courts. In that same year, Etta started a Victim’s Awareness Class to educate victims of domestic violence who are involved in the criminal justice system. On special occasions she worked with the Common Pleas Courts.
To better prepare herself, Etta acquired a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2005 and a Master's degree 2009. She completed 6 years as a Miami University Visiting Professor in the School of Social Work and Family Science, and is currently pursuing her Interdisciplinary Ph.D. with focus on family violence.
Etta was a member of an organization, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, and volunteer speaker for the state of Ohio which allowed her to travel to many areas of the country presenting to those in high schools, colleges, prisons, churches, organizations and many other venues advocating for victims of domestic violence by sharing her personal story to thousands.
Etta has been honored with many awards including NAACP Community Service Award 2004; Miami University Distinguished President’s Service Award 2005; Distinguished Woman of Color 2006 Miami University; Middletown NAACP Frank M. Latimer Community Service Award 2007; The International Soroptomist Woman Making a Difference Award 2008; The Steel Magnolia Award in 2009. Butler County Advocate of the year 2013 and on January 17th 2015 Etta received The National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation Rita Corbin Burns Award in Vancouver, Washington. Among many articles written about her, the University of Cincinnati wrote an article in the September 2008 issue UC Magazine about Etta’s life, “From Victim to Advocate”.
In 2011, Etta was hired by Community Behavioral Health to facilitate a group of women victimized by domestic violence that she named "New Perspectives" because she understands the delicate and sensitive challenges they’re facing. Etta’s goal is to empower women to overcome their exigent situations and successfully transition to wellness.
If you or someone you know needs help:
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)