Mother Hosts Special Baby Shower For OKC Domestic Violence Victims

Jamie Oberg, News 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- There was a very special baby shower held at the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond Saturday. But the host doesn't even know any expecting mothers.

Tina Kinsman spent her Saturday morning decking out Heritage Hall with pink and blue decorations, all the trimmings needed for a big baby shower she's been planning for months now.

"I went and just decided to do something they needed more, so I wanted to do more," Kinsman said.

She's not talking about more babies or gifts for herself or anyone she knows personally. The mom of four is hosting a baby shower for victims of domestic violence in Oklahoma City.

Kinsman wants her four kids to know about the important issue as well, enlisting their help along with fellow student volunteers.

All the donated baby gifts they've been collecting will go to the moms who get help at the YWCA shelter.

"We can help even if it's something like this because these women need to know there's help out there," Kinsman said. "They've done the right thing and there's help out there. We're going to make sure they get the help that they need."

Kinsman is talking about the 450 mothers and children who have a safe place to live, thanks to Oklahoma City's YWCA. Last year the YMCA says it helped 15,000 men, women and kids in times of crisis, and survivors of rape or domestic violence.

"It could be your mom, your sister your dad, your brother. It's not a one way street," Kinsman said.

Hosting a baby shower by herself was hard work, but Kinsman would do it all again to raise awareness for those who maybe can't or don't speak out for themselves.

It's estimated one in four women will be the victim of domestic violence and in Oklahoma. YWCA says one third of female homicides are women who were killed by their partner.

Click here to see how you can help out with the baby shower.