This Thursday, the Circle of Hope and the Mountain Judicial Circuit Family Violence Task Force will be hosting a domestic violence vigil in Clarkesville.
According to the event’s Facebook page, speakers include Representative Terry Rogers, Mountain Judicial District Attorney George Christian, Pastor Eric Spivey, and an unnamed Domestic Violence Survivor.
The Haystack Society Choir from Piedmont College is scheduled to perform.
The Georgia Commission on Family Violence states that from 2003 through 2016, at least 1,671 Georgia citizens lost their lives to domestic violence. Georgia ranks 8th in the nation for its rate of men killing women.
Unfortunately, the alarming statistics don’t stop there. In 2015 alone, there were 65,487 reported family violence incidents and 24,710 protective and stalking orders issued.
Though there are a growing number of shelters and resources available, many of those in violent situations still don’t leave or report the abuse.
Local radio personality Lori Duke Jones is supporting the October 26th event through her show.
“I am promoting it for them on radio and trying to encourage the community,” states Jones about the vigil.
Jones’ inspiration for wanting to be involved runs deep.
“People feel so isolated like nobody cares when they are victims, and my hope is to show them incredible support just by showing up! My Mom is a survivor who had no Circle of Hope or other choices… this was in the ’70s… we are blessed to have them, but there is much work to be done,” says Jones.
The vigil will be held at the Gazebo in downtown Clarkesville from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2017.
