Domestic Violence Awareness Month: ‘Silence is never the answer’

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior to dominate or control another person in a relationship.

It is often a subject many people stray away from in conversation. However, the staff at Safe Haven in Columbus said staying silent is never the answer.

Canary Williams is a case manager at Safe Haven in Columbus. She said she God inspired her to help those suffering from domestic violence.

“People don’t realize it, but there is more than just one victim in a domestic situation,” Williams said. “We have primary victims who are getting the brunt of it.”

Williams said domestic abuse is traumatizing for all people involved.

“We have the secondary victims which are often the children, or the parents, or other family members,” Williams said.

According to Safe Haven, there are many misconceptions about domestic violence such as it is a rare occurrence, a private matter, no one else’s business, or that it is specific to females. Williams said this is simply not the case.

“Any gender identity, any race, and socioeconomic status can suffer abuse,” Williams said.

Williams said many times, people do not realize they are in a dangerous situation.

“Maybe because that’s familiar to them, maybe they grew up in an abusive household, maybe they think it’s normal to have their finances withheld from them,” Williams said. “Or they may be in a situation where they’re afraid to leave the abuser so they stay.”

Safe Haven offers an emergency shelter for 30 days for those in imminent anger and other services based on the situation.

“Group counseling, individual counseling, we offer resources to assist them in becoming self-sufficient, and establishing a safe home for them and their children,” Williams said.

Williams said in no circumstance, should anyone be beaten, talked down to, or belittled.

“If you are being abused, get out, do it while you still can,” Williams said. “You’re worth more than that, and you have to believe that. Don’t accept that type of treatment. You don’t have to. There is someone who wants to be good to you, who wants to treat you well. That’s where you need to be.

Safe Haven said if you need assistance and are in a safe place, you can call them at (662)327-6040. If you are not in a safe place, call 911.

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