October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and some locals are hoping to shine a light on the month with different events throughout the Big Bend areas.
Leon County Clerk Bob Inzer says domestic violence is a serious issue in the area.
“I guess the good news of all that if you live in Leon County is that there are organizations and people here to help victims of domestic violence and provide them with protection. Our purpose here is to make people more aware of the problem, of the services, and of the processes of procuring those services,” he said, during a recent press conference.
Among those services is Refuge House, the certified domestic violence shelter for the Big Bend. Its Assistant Director Emily Mitchem says last year, her organization assisted more than 6,500 victims.
“1,364 of those were served through the Leon County courthouse injunction program,” said Mitchem. “This life-saving partnership with refuge house and the Leon County clerk of court’s office in 1992. We work collaboratively to provide the best possible assistance to victims seeking judicial intervention to keep them safe from violence.”
She says there will also be a number of events held throughout the month.
“Activities will begin in Wakulla County on Oct. 14 with a Luncheon, a candlelight vigil in Gadsden County on the 15th, Madison County will be providing information booths to North Florida Community College in Madison County, in Liberty County, there will be a Domestic Violence Awareness Month luncheon on the 22nd, and in Franklin County, there’ll be a Domestic Violence Awareness Month luncheon on the 23rd,” added Mitchem.
For more information on the services or events held throughout the month, visit RefugeHouse.com.
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