October has been proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners issued the proclamation at their monthly meeting held on October 5th.
Since 1984, HARBOR, Inc. has been actively involved in addressing domestic violence in Johnston County. The agency serves approximately 3,000 victims each year.
Harbor invites everyone to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month which is dedicated to the “NO MORE – Change Happens Here” campaign. “Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault,” the proclamation states.
The NO MORE campaign underscores the urgent need for involvement in taking action, speaking out, breaking our silence, and seeking help when we see domestic violence in our life, in our family and in our community.
Assistant District Attorney Paul Jackson is a member of the HARBOR Board of Directors. “Domestic violence is a serious problem in our community and is so often misunderstood. We must raise awareness and educate everyone about the myths and truths associated with domestic violence, including those in the fields of criminal justice, healthcare and education. We must continue to support organizations like HARBOR. The professionals at HARBOR understand the complexities surrounding domestic violence and are dedicated to helping those who may feel lost, trapped and hopeless.”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 43.9 percent of North Carolina women experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. An average of two people per week are murdered in North Carolina as a result of domestic violence. Intimate partner violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime. (2013 statistics)
