"No Excuse for Abuse" 5K Run/Walk set for October 23
Domestic violence is your problem
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Amidst nearly 50 purple balloons to be released in remembrance of domestic violence victims from Ripley County, on Wednesday, October 13, is one white balloon - a stark reminder that domestic violence can be fatal.

The one white balloon is much more than just a balloon. It represents the life of a lady who was gunned down at the hand of her estranged husband in Ripley County.

This is the most extreme case of domestic violence in the county in recent years and the most final. Each year for three years family and friends of Trish Pickens have gathered to remember her life and help bring awareness of this very real problem to others.

A domestic violence awareness ceremony will take place this year on the Ripley County Courthouse lawn at 11:00 a.m. on October 13. This effort is sponsored by the Ripley County Prosecutor's Office Victim Services, to bring awareness to domestic violence by remembering the victims. Guest speakers, informational material and the balloon release are all attempts to remember victims and to unite the community, according to Marcia Davis, Victim's Coordinator for the county.

"We have about 45 active domestic violence cases right now in Ripley County," noted Prosecutor Ric Hertel, adding this amount was up.

"Domestic violence is everybody's problem." That's the message from the prosecutor's office. This crime, and yes, it's really a crime, affects not only the victim, but many who are close to the situation including children.

Domestic violence is probably one of the most complicated crimes that law enforcement has to deal with, according to the prosecutor. Knowing the results can be deadly, officers respond to calls of this nature with a vengeance only to find in many cases
the victim doesn't want charges filed against the perpetrator. After all, they love him, he's the father of the children, "mostly" a loving husband and provides for the family. The stakes are high. The bottom line is it's hard to see someone you love go to jail.

But, the law is clear, crimes of domestic violence are punishable by jail time and stiff fines. Charges can be filed whether the victim wants them or not. Often times, most often than not, victims of domestic violence will beg the courts for lenience for their loved one. It's a pattern of behavior that one law enforcement officer of 29 years says he'll never understand.

"No Excuse for Abuse" 5K Walk/Run set

Knowing the situations are volatile and difficult, the Ripley County Prosecutor's Office Victim's Assistance Department takes a stand for the victims of these crimes and this year has launched a 5K Run/Walk event to raise not only awareness, but money to benefit victims of domestic violence. Proceeds from the "No Excuse for Abuse" event will benefit Safe Passage Inc., a domestic violence shelter that serves Ripley, Franklin, Ohio, Dearborn and Switzerland counties.

"No Excuse for Abuse" Run/Walk is set to take place October 23, beginning at the Batesville Police Department, 132 South Main Street, at 9:00 a.m. for both walkers and runners. If you have not pre-registered, you need to be there by 8:00 a.m. on race day. Pre-registration is $10.00 per person, day of event registration is $12.00 per person. Pre-registrations must be made by October 15 and can be done by sending a check or money order made out to Safe Passage Inc., to the Ripley County Prosecutor's Office, PO Box 102, Versailles, IN 47042.

According to Hertel, T-shirts will be given out to the first 100 entrants with an awards ceremony and refreshments at the conclusion of the race. "No taxpayers monies have been used to fund this project," he noted. The prosecutor's office is buying the T-shirts and trophies with grant money and offender fees. All entry fees for the event go directly to Safe Passage, Inc.

Race divisions include 14 years of age and under, 15-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, 41-45, 46-50, 51-55, 56-60, and 61 years of age and older. The overall male and female and all age groups have three places, with top walker awards going to three men and three women.

Hertel noted that already about 30 people have registered and they are looking for a tremendous turnout for this first time walk/run that he plans to be an annual event. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering for the day you can contact Hertel at 812-689-6331.

How important is Safe Passage to our community, was a question posed the prosecutor who didn't hesitate to say, "Terribly important." He added that this shelter gives victims an avenue of escape, a safe place they can stay for a short period of time to find direction in a turbulent situation in their lives.

"It takes everyone working together to help victims of domestic violence," noted the prosecutor, who added many times citizens who are "bystanders" are critical in a domestic violence incident. "We all have a duty to do something, to report what we have seen and be willing to follow through. We need people who will get involved," he concluded.

About Safe Passage Inc.

Statistics released from Daryl L. Caldwell, Director of Development and Operations for Safe Passage Inc., are that every nine seconds a family is abused. One in four families are in a violent home. With that knowledge being recorded, Caldwell knows the work at Safe Passage is much needed, coupled with the fact the first week they were officially open for operation, ten people were at the shelter. The shelter held its open house and dedication on August 17 of this year.

Purple ribbons will be given out this month to local businesses and social service providers. The color purple denotes peace and harmony. Caldwell notes that the ribbons represent the goal that every household and victim will attain peace and harmony within their homes.

The organization depends on contributions and the "No Excuse for Abuse 5K Walk/Run is just one way to help with funding this important shelter.

On Saturday, October 16, the second Annual Masquerade Ball will take place at the Bull Pen in Osgood at 7:00 p.m. There will be a live band, drinks, silent auction and best costume contest. It is $20.00 for an individual and $35.00 per couple. Oh, and you will be fined $5.00 extra for not coming in costume! Tickets are available at the door.

If you would like to make a donation directly to Safe Passage Inc., you may also do that by sending a check or money order to PO Box 235, Batesville, In 47006. For more information about the shelter and its services you can call toll-free 1-877-733-1990 or 1-866-933-1990.

Where to call for help

Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or knows someone who is, can call the local sheriff's department at 812-689-5555, Indiana State Police at 1-812-689-5000, Batesville Police Department, 812-934-3131. Of course in an emergency situation call 911 immediately.