Letter to Editor – October 2013

October 9, 2013

Dear Editor,

Every September, the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence sends out a list of people who lost their lives to domestic violence across the state. And in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, many shelters, including SAFE Shelter will be reading these names during candlelight vigils. As I look over these 63 names, I’m struck by the range in ages, victims as young as 5 and 12 years old to one elderly woman of 80. One name stands out, Dezanne Davis, 38, of Savannah. She was stabbed to death and her boyfriend has been charged with her murder. These victims were children, just starting out in life, teenagers looking forward to their future and elderly people who should have been enjoying their golden years.

Murder is never easy to understand and when it’s done within the context of a close relationship, it’s almost unfathomable. Please join us in remembering these victims as not just statistics, but as mothers, sisters, friends and co-workers.

For 34 years, SAFE Shelter has kept its doors open to victims of family violence, many leaving behind everything they own to escape the violence in their homes. And year-to-date, no one actively involved in any SAFE Shelter program has been killed by her or his abuser. The key is intervention. You never know when someone is going to cross your path that needs help. Be ready to listen and not judge. Let them know by calling (912) 629-8888 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, help is available.

Sincerely yours,

Cheryl Haven Branch

Executive Director

SAFE Shelter