News Release:

October 9, 2024

TEEM and ODOC partner to host Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery 5K

McLOUD, Okla. — The Education and Employment Ministry is partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to host a 5K run in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud, Okla., on Oct. 20 at 8 a.m. Prison Health Initiative is a program inside MBCC designed to promote physical health, mental health, relational health and emotional health. Participants of PHI requested to host a 5K run inside the facility to raise awareness and connection between women who experience trauma and involvement in the criminal legal system. Statistically, nearly 80% of incarcerated women have experienced violence and abuse, and 66% of women incarcerated in Oklahoma experienced physical abuse by a partner within a year before entering ODOC. Nearly 400 MBCC residents are signed up to participate in the event.

“The purpose of this event is to provide a platform for women at Mabel Bassett to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and underscore the importance of seeking help,” said Corey Green, ODOC physician assistant and PHI sponsor.

Women inside Mabel Bassett designed a t-shirt for the event with the phrase “Ready, SET, Run” on the front. The word SET is presented as an acronym for “Survive, Empower, Thrive.” The t-shirts are being sold through TEEM for $25. The women chose to donate all proceeds to the YWCA OKC, where residential and community services are offered to provide care and hope to people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

“YWCA is grateful the women at Mabel Bassett are highlighting Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month this October. At YWCA, we center the voices of survivors to guide our work, and we honor the voices of the women at Mabel Bassett who have lived experiences related to domestic violence,” said Kristie Chandler, director of YWCA.

"The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is proud to offer the women at Mabel Bassett the opportunity to participate in this 5K. It's inspiring to see individuals turn their life experiences into positive contributions for others," said Kay Thompson, ODOC Chief of Public Relations. "Supporting the domestic violence survivors in our care is a key step toward building a safer, stronger Oklahoma."

“Connecting the dots between individuals who experience traumatic acts of abuse and involvement in the criminal legal system is important to understanding how our state can offer appropriate support, protection and services to strengthen families and safely reduce our prison population,” said Kris Steele, director of TEEM.

For more information about the Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness 5K, to donate or to purchase a t-shirt, please visit the TEEM website at teem.org.