Agency outlines event for Friday
Domestic Violence Services of Fayette County received 872 reports of domestic violence in the past year, and the number of cases seems to have risen every year since the agency’s inception in 1977, according to an agency official. For that reason, the agency’s executive director, Gloria Mickens, urges everyone who has ever been affected by domestic violence to take part in a vigil and march Friday at 6 p.m., beginning at the Fayette County Courthouse.
The theme for the event is “Domestic Violence is Everyone’s Business.”
The vigil, Mickens said, is held in recognition of women and children living in abusive situations and in memory of those who have died because of domestic abuse.
Mickens said everyone, either directly or indirectly, is affected by domestic violence.
“Those affected indirectly may have co-workers who have to take time off because of injuries they sustained, or employers may have employees who are not as productive as they could be because of low self-esteem,” Mickens said.
She further commented that domestic violence is also related to drug and alcohol abuse.
Eighty to 100 people have shown up for the vigil and march in the past, and Mickens said that she is hoping more will attend this year.
The march, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., after the vigil, will start at the courthouse and proceed down Main Street, work its way up South Street and will end at the Domestic Violence Services Center, located next to the Fayette County 911 center.
This is the fourth year such an event has occurred in Fayette County.
Mickens said that vigils and marches make the community more aware of domestic violence and the services that are offered to victims.
Domestic Violence Services offers free counseling programs, advocacy material and an emergency shelter.
Workers also offer to accompany victims to trials and hearings.
Mickens said it is important for all people to realize that domestic violence is a serious problem, not only in Fayette County, but also throughout the country.
“I encourage the community to come out and help us fight the war against domestic violence,” she said. “Domestic violence is a war; it’s a war going on at home.”