photo by: Mike Yoder

Lawrence Public Library, pictured Aug. 20, 2015.

Once a week, for the past two years, someone from the Willow Domestic Violence Center has waited in a private meeting room at the Lawrence Public Library ready to listen and to explain the center’s services.

While the center, which works to eliminate domestic violence and human trafficking, is located on Moodie Road, it offers the extra service of Willow Drop-in at the library from 9 a.m. to noon every Thursday.

“It’s an opportunity to advocate for anybody who wants to drop in,” said Will Averill, Willow’s director of communications. A trained professional meets with those who stop by the private conference room.

Connecting with the public at the library makes sense because it’s a central hub for the community, Averill said. On average, over the past two years, the center has seen 65 clients annually at the drop-in, Averill said. Sometimes one person might stop by during the three hours; sometimes no one stops by. Other times multiple people drop in. What’s important, Averill said, is to have a presence, to let people know help is available.

“When a situation comes up it’s good to be there,” Averill said. “If someone needs to go to the emergency shelter, we can arrange an intake.”

Though the drop-in site is in a public library, the services provided are confidential. The small meeting room is off the main library area, with a sign to identify the space.

Sometimes it’s very difficult for survivors to talk on the phone, so this is an alternative outlet.

“We want to leave the door open for those who can’t get help any other way,” Averill said.