At SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis, a security officer has created and organized a system of resources to help survivors heal from assault and domestic abuse. Through her nonprofit, Helping Hurting Hearts Ministries, Officer Taren Walton provides resources for survivors to recover emotionally and psychologically from their trauma. Talking about sexual assaults and domestic violence can be challenging for survivors if not met with the correct sensitivity and delicacy of care. Through her work at Helping Hurting Hearts Ministries, Office Walton brings awareness, healing and care so that sexual assault and domestic violence survivors can recover.
“When you are a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, the trauma can mute you so that you are afraid to speak up,” says Officer Walton. “The work at Helping Hurting Hears Ministries helps survivors take their trauma and break through so their stories can be known and they can become unmuted. We provide four professional sessions of counseling at no cost for survivors as well as group meetings where people can come and meet with other survivors. We receive financial assistance from Walmart and Sam's Club to help raise awareness of sexual assault.”
Officer Walton started Helping Hurting Hearts Ministries in 2007. When she is not on duty at SSM Health DePaul Hospital, Officer Walton is an advocate for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) as an emotional support resource for victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. Officer Walton is a wife, mother, author and inspirational speaker. She is proud that she has dedicated her life to serving God and speaking to the broken hearted within the community.
