Officials from around Henderson County gathered on the courthouse lawn Tuesday, Oct. 7, to mark October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the county.
Earlier in the day, the Henderson County Commissioners’ Court approved a resolution, which County Judge Richard Sanders read at the noon event.
“This is a problem that we have in our society that we need to eradicate,” Sanders said. “And I appreciate everyone here that has a hand in this.”
East Texas Crisis Center Director of Outreach Donna Johnson shared with the crowd local statistics from this year, including:
- The Family Peace Project has helped 226 victims of domestic violence this year, including 116 new victims.
- The East Texas Crisis Center has helped 310 victims this year, including 167 new victims. That averages out to 18 new victims every month.
- The Farm has helped 18 women and 29 children.
“I think it is important that we in the community, as well as our community leaders, send a message …. about the plight of domestic violence in Henderson County.”
Johnson thanked the volunteers, the District Attorney’s Office and made a special presentation to the County Attorney’s Office.
October is about becoming aware of the dangers of domestic violence and the resources available in the community for victims, so visit the East Texas Crisis Center to pick up a purple ribbon to show your support throughout the month. For more information, call 903-675-2137.
