BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com
The Iredell Domestic Violence Task Force raised awareness about the epidemic of domestic violence during its annual “Walk-A-Mile in Their Shoes” event in Downtown Statesville on Tuesday afternoon.
Statesville Police Department Community Resource Coordinator Pam Navey welcomed the crowd of about 40 to the event and recognized Robin Shea, victim advocate with the District Attorney’s Office and chair of the Iredell Domestic Violence Task Force, for her efforts.
Mayor Costi Kutteh, District Attorney Sarah Kirkman, Statesville Police Chief David Onley, and Fifth Street Ministry Executive Director Michele Knapp spoke at a brief ceremony before the one-mile walk, complete with music, signs, and enthusiastic participants.
Mayor Kutteh read a proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month that was adopted by the Statesville City Council this month.
Knapp spoke about My Sister’s House and its services to both shelter residents and those survivors living in the community. The facility offers case management, counseling, assistance through court processes, shelter, food, clothes, and other services.
About 500 domestic violence victims receive services from My Sister’s House each year, added Knapp, who commended their bravery to leave their violent situations.
“It’s not that easy to leave because they are isolated from friends and family, financially they have no money and no car,” she said.
“My Sister’s House is there to take in those who have nothing but the clothes on their back and provide them with everything they need to get a job, file charges, get counseling — everything they need is at My Sister’s House.”
Knapp thanked the community for its support of My Sister’s House and this event.
Kirkman said she and her staff, many of whom were present, take domestic violence cases very seriously.
“The assistant DAs go into court every day and fight for the victims, hold offenders accountable, and get justice for the victims,” she said.
Her office’s witness legal assistants “listen to the victims and give them a shoulder to lean on, to cry on. They connect them to resources and guide them through the process.”
Kirkman also commended the work of the Iredell Domestic Violence Task Force, which brings together organizations and law enforcement agencies to share advice and resources to help domestic violence victims.
Chief Onley commended the task force and community for the numerous resources and support now available for domestic violence victims, a situation much different than when he started with the SPD 24 years ago with little help to offer.
Onley commended Navey for her 24/7 work to help DV victims with shelter, food, clothing, and other resources. He also gave her credit for maintaining two SPD domestic violence investigators for the past nine years and now fully funded through 2023 because of her efforts.
UPCOMING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS
The DV Task Force asks agencies, organizations, and businesses to sponsor “PURPLE OUT” Days in October to bring awareness to domestic violence in the workplace, schools, and community.
Participants can share pictures and messages at #dvpeace22 on FB.
Purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence. The effort salutes survivors and those lost to domestic violence.
During the month of October, the Empty Place at the Table will be available for viewing at Iredell County Libraries and Iredell County Hall of Justice, along with the Silent Witness display at Mitchell Community College Student Union.
On Wednesday, October 19, the Domestic Violence Task Force is meeting at Iredell Agricultural Center in Statesville. the event will feature a special Domestic Violence Simulation. Lunch is provided at the 12:30 p.m. event. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month.
Fifth Street Ministries is having a Business After Hours on Thursday, October 20, at 5 p.m., focusing on domestic volence at the Fifth Street Ministries Mooresville location, 207 S. Broad Suite, Suite 4).
On Tuesday, October 25, at 5:30 p.m., the DV Awareness Task Force is having another “Walk A Mile in Their Shoes” in Downtown Mooresville. Participants should meet in front of Charles Mack Citizens Center at 5:30 p.m. with speakers presenting remarks at 5:45 p.m. and the walk beginning at 6 p.m.
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