Letter to Editor – October 2011

October 3, 2011

Dear Editor,

Sitting at my desk here at SAFE Shelter, I can look out into the parking lot and see our families, running to meet the school bus, getting in cars for jobs or job interviews. And I can’t help but think that everyone out there is a success story. They are here, safe from abusive partners and about to take that first step toward a new life, free from violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it’s a time we try to provide more public awareness about intimate partner violence. More importantly, we try to provide information for victims so they know where to go for help and safety. In Savannah this year, we’ve had one domestic violence homicide which is one too many. She was not a number or statistic. She was Nancy Bruin Sanders, just 28 years old. Her children watched her die. Her husband was arrested for the crime. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family as they struggle to make sense of it all.

This year in Georgia, 81 people lost their lives to intimate partner violence. Among them, Quentin Grimsley, 15, of Colquitt County; Shakira Hudson, 15, McDuffie County; Bradley 3 and Edward Garcia, 1 year old, Gwinnett County; Angel Freeman, 16, Clayton County; Easton Graham, 3 years old, Murray County; Bakari McDougald 8 years old, Colquitt County; Casey Conley, 4 years old, Cherokee County; and Alana Calahan, 14 years old, Columbia County. I don’t know their stories but I know they were all young, innocent and did not deserve to die.

Domestic violence is a crime. But too often it’s kept a dark, ugly secret. This month, if you’re driving around Forsyth Park, look at the purple ribbons put up in honor of those who have died. And remember, the names of those who are gone but should never be forgotten.

It only takes one phone call, 629-8888, to get help. SAFE Shelter is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. If bed space isn’t available, we’ll find a bed. No victim of intimate partner violence will ever be turned away. SAFE Shelter is a United Way Agency and no fees are ever charged for any services. Children up to the age of 18 can accompany their mothers. And men needing shelter will be provided housing at an alternative location.

For a full schedule of events for October, please call SAFE Shelter at 912-629-8888.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Haven Branch