By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer/Editor for Hire

Infinite Possibilities, Inc, an advocacy group for victims of abuse, was recently on air to discuss the organization’s services and to announce upcoming events.

Founded in 2009 by CEO Kanika Turrentine, the agency provides advocacy, acts as a resource center and provides a safe haven for those who have been abused sexually or have experienced domestic violence.

The agency also provides legal advocacy by pairing court advocates with victims and working with legal aid to provide free legal representation. Hospital advocacy for victims of sexual abuse, counseling for all victims and assistance finding safe living arrangements are also provided.

With a staff of eight, Infinite Possibilities, Inc. serves victims in the five-county area, including Vance, Franklin, Warren, Granville and Halifax counties.

The agency may be reached by calling their 24-hour crisis line or in person at one of their office locations. In Vance County, the agency is located inside the Vance County Courthouse.

In fact, according to Turrentine, if a victim comes to the courthouse to file civil paperwork against their abuser, they will automatically be connected with an Infinite Possibilities, Inc. advocate.

Turrentine stresses that everything that is discussed is confidential and that staff will perform a danger assessment with the victim to determine what other agencies and departments may need to intervene.

Despite the stigma that victims of domestic and sexual violence are predominantly female, Turrentine reported that there are a fair number of male victims as well. “Domestic and sexual abuse is about power and control,” said Turrentine. “There are individuals of both genders who want to exhibit power and control over another person.”

Turrentine conservatively estimates that the agency helps 1,000 victims each year; however, this represents just a small number of those who experience abuse. “There are those who take the step and make the call, but then there are so many more who are suffering behind closed doors,” Turrentine said.

The agency measures the success of those they help by celebrating even the smallest of victories. “That step of someone actually calling the crisis line when they may have been in an abusive situation for 30 years – that’s success,” said Turrentine.

Other success stories are seen in victims who are able to find safe housing, secure employment, keep their children safe from harm and give back to their community.

“Infinite Possibilities, Inc. is just that,” Turrentine said. “There are no limits to the number of things you can accomplish when you have the right support system, the right knowledge and the right foundation.”

In honor of April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, Infinite Possibilities, Inc. is hosting several events, including:

• A sexual assault awareness presentation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, April 23 at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library in Henderson and on Wednesday, April 25 at the Warren County Memorial Library. Participants may walk-through to receive information, meet advocates and ask questions. Both presentations will feature a Silent Witness Exhibit to honor the lives of those lost to abuse. The exhibit will include life-size wooden silhouettes of victims with name plaques.
• Infinite Possibilities, Inc. encourages the community to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 25. This is a nationally recognized day for all community members to make a social statement by wearing jeans as a means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault and sexual assault victims.

To learn more about Infinite Possibilities, Inc., please visit their website at www.infinitepossibilitiesinc.com or call (252) 431-1926.