Quick Poll

The Georgia DOT says the Highway 34 Bypass widening project & its contractors will get a 6-month extension to complete the job. Will the GDOT complete the project in 6 months or will it need another extension?

Blogs

Angela McRae

Tea with friends

Deberah Williams

Everyday Finesse

Lorrie Lynch

Who's News

Published Saturday, November 28, 2009 in Religion

Vigil focuses on victims of domestic violence

By Sarah Fay Campbell

The Newnan Times-Herald

A candlelight vigil for victims and survivors of domestic violence was recently held at the Greenville Street Park.

The vigil was sponsored by Community Welcome House, the local safe haven shelter for women and children who have fled domestic violence situations. The event was part of Welcome House's observance of Domestic Violence Month.

"This is the first time we have done it. We hope to make it an annual event," said Linda Kirkpatrick, executive director of Community Welcome House.

"Domestic violence is a silent problem within our families, that nobody really wants to talk about," said Morgan Reese, house manager.

Coweta County has been hit particularly hard by domestic violence in recently. Since 2008, four Cowetans have been killed in domestic violence situations.

In two of those incidents, the shooter then turned the gun on himself. One perpetrator was recently sentenced to life in prison; the fourth is currently awaiting trial.

The Community Welcome House isn't just a safe haven for victims. The organization also offers support, information, and advice, through a crisis line and outreach.

About a dozen survivors of domestic violence and their supporters turned out for the vigil. The names of victims and survivors were written on sheets of paper for the vigil, though they were not read.

Representatives from Shiloh Chinese Christian Church were on hand to participate in the vigil.

"We want to make people aware. That is the problem. We need to see, and we need to do something," said Ruth Huang.

"I have an overwhelming sense of sadness for people who live with it, and the children," said Kirkpatrick.

Domestic violence "affects everyone that is involved," said Reese. "We want to be the voice for those people."

From January to September 2009, the Welcome House received 412 calls for help, and housed 151 women and children.

The organization currently operates the New Beginnings thrift store, at 13 Augusta Drive, off Jefferson Street. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Community Welcome House holds a volunteer orientation each month on the first Monday. This month's orientation will be Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. It will be at Coweta Community Church, 310 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard.

For more information, contact morgancwh@nulink.org , or call 770-304-0966, extension 5. October is Domestic Violence Month.