To bring awareness to the crime of domestic violence in our area, Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee joined thousands across the nation in declaring October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Laurel. He was joined in the City Hall rotunda Thursday, October 2, by local victim advocates from the Laurel Police Department, Office of the Jones County District Attorney, and Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, for the signing of the proclamation.
“Domestic Violence was already an epidemic before COVID-19, but the health crisis has caused a tremendous spike in incidents of abuse,” stated “Even as lockdown restrictions are lifted, the abuse will not simply end. It remains a critical time for survivors, and the devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences will be left behind.”
“Around the globe, governments have implored residents to stay home to protect themselves and others from COVID-19,” stated Rebecca Stewart, executive director of the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Inc. “But for domestic violence victims – the vast majority of whom are women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals – home is a dangerous place.”
“Because of the pandemic, we are asking everyone in our community to join our ‘Light in the Window Campaign’ by putting a candle or light in their window from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” said Deborah Warren, victim coordinator with the office of the District Attorney. The Light in the Window Campaign provides an opportunity for friends, families, and communities to discuss the context in which domestic violence occurs. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It encompasses numerous tactics that may include coercive behaviors to establish and maintain power and control, emotional and physiological manipulation, financial abuse, sexual assault, and threatening to harm children, other loved ones, or the family pet. Many injuries may not be easily visible.”
In proclaiming October National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Laurel, the proclamation says Mayor Magee “reaffirms the commitment of Laurel/Jones County to respect and enforce victims’ rights and address their needs during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout the year.”