LEXINGTON, Ky. — Community members in Lexington helped raise awareness for domestic violence victims after over a third of this year’s homicides were tied to domestic violence.
What You Need To Know
- October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- The sheriff’s office hosted their domestic violence awareness month annual vigil on Tuesday
- Community leaders want the youth to know how to protect and ensure their own safety amid the month of prevention awareness
For its 6th annual ceremony, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office continued its domestic violence prevention efforts at the community-themed event. Led by songs, prayer and experiences, some of Kentucky’s survivors and others shared their stories in front of dozens of people from around the area.
Filling the courthouse square, community and government partners are sharing resources to help. Lexington’s Parks and Recreation’s Anthony Jackson said the vigil is a great resource to advocate for kids.
“It’s a conversation started for sure, and I would say the younger they can learn about domestic violence and what to look for and what to see and what to report is very important,” Jackson said.
Along the borders of the square on two separate clotheslines, decorated shirts were hung with inspirational messages and symbols of hope. Food and drinks like pizza, coffee, donuts and more were handed out among the crowd, with games and other activities to keep families entertained.
Annual supporters and domestic violence prevention and crisis group Greenhouse-17 shared some faces and stories of the people close to their organizations’ efforts.
Greenhouse-17’s youth advocate Morgan Richardson said it’s important community partners know how to help provide support.
“Especially with our school systems and teachers and counselors to just be a friend to the children and let them know that they are there if they need the help.” Richardson said.
Helping conclude the ceremony with their genuine experiences, survivors, families and officials stood together with purple lights lighting the buildings and trees around them.
In addition, the sheriff’s office also hosted its free winter coat giveaway as a part of the annual event. Since 2018, the Lexington Sheriff’s Office has put together the vigil to honor survivors of the widespread issue.
October is national domestic violence awareness month. The annual month of prevention is recognized by the color purple.