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Vigil recognizes domestic violence


Nearly sixty people showed up Thursday night for a candlelight vigil that was held in honor of those who have been victims of domestic violence.

The service commenced with a moment of silence offered by Chris Brinkley, the moderator, for those in Weakley County who have suffered from domestic violence.

Carol Dickerson, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, offered the invocation, and as candles were being lit, Amy Hutcherson and Blair Chadwick, both senior music majors, performed “America, the Beautiful.”

Rick Hatler was the first to speak, and told a heart-wrenching story of how domestic violence had made its way throughout several generations of a family, eventually resulting in the brutal death of an infant.

Cathy Wilson, President of the Pilot Club in Dresden and partner of the Outback Domestic Violence Program, expressed the need and her desire for a domestic abuse shelter to be constructed in Weakley County. She mentioned that there are approximately 3800 animal shelters and only 1200 shelters for battered women nationwide.

“The primary focus of the Outback Domestic Violence program is to memorialize those who are in abusive situations or have died from abuse,” said Melody Gordon, case manager for Weakley County.

The Domestic Violence Awareness program stressed the importance of community awareness. Gordon emphasized that each of us can make a difference.

Martin Mayor Larry Taylor was next to speak and shared that about four million women are abused in the United States each year. State Representative Don Ridgeway explained how children are the biggest victims of domestic violence, supported by these alarming statistics:

  • Of a national survey of 6,000 families, 50 percent of fathers who physically abused their wives also abused their children.
  • Every hour 150 children are abused in the United States.
  • 75 percent of battered women say their children have been physically or sexually abused.

    Representative Ridgeway concluded by charging each of us to, “Stop and give a prayer tonight for the children who are in abusive situations.”

    Tracy Sharp, a domestic violence counselor, challenged the next generation to eliminate the need for her job. She said that one out of every four women has been abused, and if we say no to domestic violence in our community, churches, schools and lives, we can significantly reduce the need for counselors such as her.

    The evening concluded with Jennifer Tait singing accapella a song entitled Behind the Wall. When asked about SABER's involvement, Dr. Jennifer Levy explained its motives for educating students about domestic violence and said, “SABER is involved with this because most sexual assaults occur between people who know each other and domestic violence often begins as relationships are formed.”

    “There are all kinds of ways to help. We could get bumper stickers that help promote domestic awareness, say no when offensive jokes are brought up or get involved when you see someone being abused,” replied Gordon. All who attended wore purple ribbons.

    The ribbons symbolized strength for those who struggling to leave a domestic relationship and the courage to leave if they choose to do so.

    SABER (Sexual Assault Behavior Education Response), the Weakley County Press, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Outback Domestic Violence Program all cosponsored the event. Gordon said that donations and volunteers are needed. If interested, you may call (731) 364-3228 ext. 165.

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    Brian Davis

    Students, faculty and members of the community came together Thursday night with a vigil recognizing domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Month and this was the first in several events geared to eduate the public on the problems posed by domestic violence.