Pictured, left to right: Theresa Mann, Marie Lindsey, Mayor Woody Jacobs, Carol Horstman and Regina Grant / Leanne West
CULLMAN – Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs on Wednesday officially proclaimed the month of October 2017 “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the city of Cullman.
According to statistics provided by Victim Services of Cullman, one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lifetimes, and, on average, three women are killed each day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. The damaging effects of domestic violence are long-term and affect the victims’ families, as well. Children are among the most vulnerable and are negatively impacted even if they don’t actually witness the abuse, because they can sense the tension in the household and see the aftermath of the abuse. Tragically, experiencing this type of abuse as children often leads to the development of emotional, cognitive or behavioral problems.
“I am pleased to proclaim October ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ in order to help increase awareness of this terrible problem plaguing our country and even our own community,” said Jacobs. “I am grateful to the folks at Victim Services for helping those affected by domestic violence, and I admire their efforts to help eliminate it through prevention and education.”
Domestic violence is not confined to any group or groups of people. It crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious and societal barriers, and is sustained by societal indifference or ignorance. Victims of domestic violence have their privacy, dignity, security and humanity violated. Whether the domestic violence manifests itself as physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or economic abuse or control, the effects are detrimental to the entire community.
In the proclamation, Jacobs urged all citizens to speak out against domestic violence and to support organizations that assist domestic violence victims in the community. As further support of domestic violence awareness, the City of Cullman has once again allowed the display of silhouette “silent witnesses” in front of Cullman City Hall.
On hand to accept the official proclamation at the mayor’s office were Theresa Mann, Marie Lindsey, Carol Horstman and Regina Grant of Victim Services of Cullman.
Victim Services of Cullman (VSOC, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization offering a host of services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Its mission is to break the cycle of family violence and sexual assault. It works to accomplish this mission through various services. For more information on VSOC, Inc., visit www.vsoccullman.org or call 256-775-2600.
VSOC, Inc., also has a 24-hour Crisis Line (256-734-6100) for those who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or those who have been victims of sexual assault.
2017 Domestic Violence Awareness Month by cullmansense on Scribd
