The statistics are staggering: Every minute in the United States, 20 people are being physically abused by an intimate partner.
In the past year, Vance County’s Emergency 911 received 1,107 calls related to a domestic disturbances or disputes, according to Debbie K. Scott, domestic violence coordinator and gang resource specialist for the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.
Of those calls, 336 were assaults, 70 involved a weapon and unfortunately one of those calls involved the death of a male victim.
These cold, hard facts are just part of the story of domestic violence awareness, and Scott said the sheriff’s office is teaming up with Clearview Church for the 4th annual event to shed light on a subject that for too long has remained in the shadows of society.
The “Think Community” event will begin at 3 p.m. at Clearview Church, located at 3485 Hwy 158 Business in Henderson.
This year’s theme is “Break the Silence – Stop the Violence” and Scott told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk that there will be several guest speakers and performers on hand, including pastor Roy Burroughs and the Work In Progress Gospel Choir, Sgt. Myron Alexander with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Keisha Valentine, a survivor of domestic violence.
“We’re looking forward to having a great program,” Scott said.
Whether you are a victim of domestic violence or you suspect someone else may be, it’s important to speak up and speak out, Scott said.
Valentine’s son witnessed her attack – she was shot multiple times at point-blank range – and it was her son who phoned 911 to report the incident.
“He was strong enough to speak up and make that call,” Scott recounted. Victims of abuse must not give up, she said. “You have to speak up – you can’t be quiet. You have to stand up against it…(and) try to get help.”
Victims can speak to other family members, a co-worker, a best friend – anyone who can provide support.
Valentine will share her story at Saturday’s event, and Scott said she hopes that others find strength as a result of hearing it.
“Come and break the silence,” she said. “We can put a dent in (domestic violence) and we can confront it.”
Domestic violence may begin with something as simple as hurtful words or disrespect, Scott explained. Saying hurtful things and intimidation tactics can escalate to emotional and physical abuse.
The weekend event is a way for the community to show its support, Scott said. “It’s a way to stand with the victims, support the surviviors, (and) help us continue to educate and confront this issue” as well as learning from hearing victims’ stories of survival and grieve collectively for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
Scott said support from local organizations helps to promote awareness about domestic violence. Last year, the Henderson Woman’s Club won a regional award for the work it did to donate bags of items to victims of domestic violence.
Participating in meaningful ways shows others that domestic violence “is not invited in our community – it’s unwanted and we will not be quiet any more.”
To learn more, contact Scott at 252.738.2235 or email her at dscott@vancecounty.org.
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