Domestic Violence Awareness Month draws to a close

On Wednesday, October 25, the students in Leadership YHC honored the memory of the 69 women, children and men who have been killed in domestic violence incidents over the past 12 months in Georgia. These Young Harris College students led fellow students as well as faculty and visitors through a moving candlelight ceremony following regular services at the Susan B. Harris Chapel.

During October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you may have noticed the simple white crosses in place in front of the S.A.F.E. AGAIN Thrift Store. This is a

representation of the same victims who were recognized during the month in the Remember My Name ceremonies, the Clothesline Project and the Candlelight Vigil.

The 69 homicides this year represent the most tragic consequences of abuse in the home; the kind from which there is no recovery. Non-fatal domestic violence also has wide ranging and long-term effects on victims and their families. The effects can be both physical and psychological and can impact the primary victims as well as children who witness parental violence. While the immediate focus can be treating physical

injuries suffered by victims, the emotional abuse may ultimately be more difficult to treat and require more time for healing. Domestic violence and abuse are multi-faceted crimes that present a real challenge for our society. Share with us the belief that "There is no excuse for family abuse."

These events are held to encourage citizens in our communities to learn more about how family violence affects all of us directly or indirectly. To learn more about what you can do to end domestic abuse in our communities, contact Kay Crofford at 706-379-1901. S.A.F.E. is the State certified domestic violence and sexual assault program serving Towns and Union Counties. Partial funding is received from the Georgia Department of Human Resources.