2010 Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month has come to an end and Helpmate is thankful to all of the community supporters who helped to make it a successful one.  On October 5, Warren Wilson College hosted their annual Clothesline Project Display and Helpmate was invited to participate in this event.  This exhibit featured t-shirts designed by survivors of various forms of violence (sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, etc). 

On October 7, Helpmate collaborated with the Hill Street Baptist Church Domestic Violence Ministry to host an educational seminar and candlelight vigil.  Members of the church and the general community gathered to honor those who have lost their lives because of domestic violence so far this year in NC.  It was a very moving event and we are thankful to Rosaline Davis for coordinating that event with us.  Rosaline is a member of the Hill Street Baptist Church DV Ministry and a Case Manager at Women at Risk. 

On October 21, Helpmate trained several Asheville City School personnel members on the dynamics of teen dating violence.  Counselors, teachers, and school nurses were given information on the signs of abuse, safety planning suggestions, and other ways to assist teen victims. 

We also want to thank Ed Long, a Helpmate supporter, for ensuring that Awareness Month information and our 24-Hour Hotline number was on display in front of the V.A. Hospital from October 25-28.  This was a wonderful way to create awareness about Helpmate’s services and we are grateful to the V.A. for their willingness to post this information in front of the hospital. 

From October 25-29, AB Tech hosted the Silent Witness Exhibit in the Holly Library.  This is a display of life-sized figures who represent women and children who have been killed because of domestic violence in NC.  It is a very powerful exhibit that draws attention and reminds us that one life lost is too many.