Agencies work together to bring awareness
Victims of domestic violence remembered
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

A large group gathered on the courthouse lawn on Tuesday, with purple balloons in hand to bring awareness to domestic violence. The event was speerheaded by the Ripley County Prosecutor's Office in cooperation with Safe Passage, Inc.

Among the crowd were members of various social service agencies, law enforcement, advocates for victims of abuse, judicial members and many others, who were on hand to support the efforts of the prosecutor's office.

Marcia Davis and Mandy Brunner, who are over the victim's division of the prosecutor's office, both spoke. They outlined a new campaign called, "Spread the Light." Saying domestic violence is the most common violent crime in the United States today, Davis said the new campaign is an effort to show the world, "there is no room in this community for domestic violence."

" The Ripley County Proecutor's Office is distributing lights to 'Spread the Light' into every dark corner where violence dares to destroy family peace and stability in Ripley County," noted Davis. Purple light bulbs were given to those in attendance and they were urged to burn them during the month of October, which has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She further noted that everyone is welcome to stop by their office and pick up a light to be displayed as a statement that domestic violence will not be practiced, excused, or ignored.

All of those in attendance released a purple balloon signifying the number of active domestic abuse cases in Ripley County. Two white balloons were released to honor the memory of Trish Pickens, who was killed by her estranged husband in 1999 near Napoleon. Her mother and daughter were in attendance, praising the Prosecutor's Office and staff for their professional caring at their time of loss.

Gina Sandlin, executive director of Safe Passage, Inc., was in attendance. She addressed the audience saying their commitment is to actively work to stop violence and they are "making a difference in the lives of people in Ripley county." Safe Passage, Inc. served Ripley, Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio and Switzerland counties with domestic violence intervention services.

Some statistics released from Safe Passage note that between 3.3 to 10 million children will witness domestic violence annually. Children who witness the violence are more likely to exhibit behavioral and physical health problems including depression, anxiety, and violence towards their peers. They are also more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, engage in teenage prostitution, and commit sexual assault crimes.

Forty percent of teenage girls age 14-17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, 50 percent of the men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children.

Armed with these startling numbers, the prosecutor says each case is much more than just a statistic - it represents a life. His parting challenge was for each person to go out and spread the word. "Get involved in the fight against domestic violence - help break the cycle."

While the prosecutor's office works year around to bring awareness to domestic violence and to assist victims, they have a special focus during the month of October. The 2nd Annual "No Excuse for Abuse" 5Krun/walk is set to take place October 29, beginning at the Batesville Police Department, 132 South Main Street.

Registration forms are available at the prosecutor's office, third floor of the Ripley County Courthouse in Versailles. Pre-registration fees are $10.00 and must be turned in by October 19. You can also register the day of the event with the cost being $12.00. For more information you can call 689-6331. Proceeds from the event will go to Safe Passage, Inc.

Safe Passage Inc., Voices Against Violence 3rd Annual Halloween Bash has been set for October 15, at the Sherman House, 32 South Main Street, Batesville. For more information call 933-1990.

If you know of domestic violence, don't hesitate to call authorities. You can call the Ripley County Sheriff's Department at 812-689-5558, the State Police at 812-689-5000 or 24-hour toll-free hotine 1-877-733-1990 to Safe Passage. "Domestic violence is not just a law enforcement problem or a criminal justice problem. It is a community problem," said Hertel. He encourages the community to become active, whether they report the problem, or come together and participate in fund-raisers to help programs such as Safe Passage, Inc.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Various agencies and others gathered on the courthouse lawn on Tuesday, October 4, to support the efforts of the Ripley County Prosecutor and Safe Passage, Inc. to bring awareness to domestic violence. Balloons were released that represent ongoing domestic violence cases.