On Tuesday, Oct. 1, Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks officially proclaimed the month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Athens, joining forces with regional organizations to shed light on the growing issue.
According to the proclamation, which was co-signed by Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly — one in every three women will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime and 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year.
“Violence against women and children is a prevalent social ill due to the historical imbalance of power in gender and age,” Marks stated in the proclamation. “The problem of domestic violence is not confined to any groups of people, but crosses all economic racial, gender, educational, religious and social barriers. Victims should have help to find the compassion, comfort and healing they need, and domestic abusers should be punished to the full extent of the law.”
Marks announced the proclamation during a commemorative candlelight vigil at the Limestone County Courthouse on Tuesday evening. The event was presented by the Limestone County Task Force Against Domestic Violence and the Crisis Services of North Alabama.
According to a release from the city of Athens, Crisis Services of North Alabama will host various events in October to raise awareness, honor victims and celebrate the survivors of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence affects more than just individuals — it impacts our entire community,” Executive Director of Crisis Services of North Alabama Janet Gabel stated in the release. “Our events this month honor the bravery it takes to break the silence of abuse and seek help, and we hope they inspire action in our community.”
Marks reciprocated those sentiments, encouraging victims and their families to seek help through the National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE.
“This is a tough situation to deal with,” Marks told The News Courier after the proclamation signing. “I try to always do something in support of it, because it is important to highlight.”
Marks also noted the several appropriate services that have been created at both the federal and state level to combat the growing issue. He emphasized that by working with these services, Athens can create a safer and more supportive environment for all its residents.
“Important partnerships have been formed among criminal and juvenile justice agencies, healthcare providers, allied professionals and victim services to assist victims of domestic violence and their families,” Marks stated in the proclamation. “Our nation must dedicate ourselves to protecting vulnerable members of our society. Our nation must make ending domestic violence a national priority.”