Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2005 Source: Union Democrat, The (Sonora, CA) Copyright: 2005 Western Communications, Inc Contact: http://uniondemocrat.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/846 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women) Series: Meth In The Mother Lode (Part 2a) METH FUELS DOMESTIC ABUSE Kathy Butler, an employee at Mountain Women's Resource Center, says many of the women at the center's Tuolumne County shelters report their abuser's violence only intensifies when the men use meth. Kitty Trunnell, a manager at Human Resources Council's Calaveras Women's Crisis Center, agrees. "Meth is definitely a problem with domestic violence," she said. "Meth is definitely a problem in Calaveras County." Trunnell said victims of sexual assault and domestic violence who are sent to the center's shelter complete a 15-page questionnaire. Some of those questions ask about drug use - ranging from heroin, marijuana and alcohol. One question asks: "When did you last use crank?" In 2003, the center provided services to 1,911 adults and 3,050 children. Statistics from 2003-04 include: 993 hot-line calls answered, 570 women and men getting help with temporary restraining orders and 199 women and children receiving emergency food and clothing. Women seeking help from an abusive relationship can call the Mountain Women's Resource Center at 588-9305, or HRC Calaveras Women's Crisis Center at 754-1300. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth