Blytheville Mayor Barrett Harrison and State Rep. Charolette Wagner of Manila recently presented proclamations to board members of The Haven, to bring awareness and prevention of domestic violence to Blytheville and Mississippi County.
The proclamations were a result of work done by five members of a sociology class at Arkansas State University. The five women, all Blytheville residents, were given assignments by Dr. Monica Ulrich to create community awareness about domestic violence. October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness month in the state.
In the state proclamation, Gov. Mike Beebe stated that domestic violence, in one way or another, affects every family in every town and city across our state and nation. "Too many of our homes have become places where women, children and seniors suffer physical abuse and emotional trauma," the governor said.
Domestic violence is a particularly devastating form of abuse because it "wears a familiar face: the face of a spouse, parent or partner," Beebe said.
Beebe also praised The Haven and similar organizations across the state for their work in helping victims of domestic violence and their dedication to stopping the cycle of abuse.
In his proclamation, Harrison recognized that citizens of Blytheville are victims of domestic violence each year, and that domestic violence crosses all economic, racial, ethnic, religious and social boundaries.
"It is up to our community to assure the victims' safety and protection," Harrison said.
"The city of Blytheville is grateful to have an agency such as The Haven, a safe house for abused women and children, providing shelter, counseling and support services 24 hours a day," the mayor said.
Wagner also brought news of more than $7,000 in funding from the state's General Improvement Fund to help provide services at The Haven. Wagner and Rep. Tommy Baker secured the funding for their respective districts, Wagner said.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com