Members of the Franklin County Domestic Violence Response Coalition pose with the “silent witnesses” that represent those who have been affected by domestic violence. Picture are (L to R): Katernia Cole, Tasha Zills, Frank Hohen, Joey Rushing, Judy Guyton, Suzanne Hester, Kathy Archer and Tommy Montgomery. Photo by Kellie Singleton.

The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Franklin County Domestic Violence Response Coalition held a special candlelight vigil last Thursday on the steps of the Franklin County Courthouse to remember those lost to domestic violence and to bring awareness to the many others who still face these situations everyday.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing, who serves as co-chair of the committee along with Katernia Cole, said this was an important issue that should be addressed.

“Domestic violence is definitely a problem in our county, and there are a lot of people here who have been affected by it,” Rushing said.

“We want the people who are dealing with domestic violence to know that there is hope and there’s a way out of these situations. There are agencies like Safeplace and DHR and law enforcement that are standing by, organizations like the DVRC, and other individuals that can help.

“Our message is that you do not have to suffer alone.”

Suzanne Fuller with Safeplace, Inc., read a list of people who had all lost their lives in Franklin County as a direct result of domestic violence.

“Each of these people was in a bad situation prior to their death,” Rushing said.

“We don’t want to lose one more person to domestic violence in this county. For anyone who is still in a bad situation, we just want you to know that there are options to get help.”

Sen. Roger Bedford, who was present for the event, said his heart went out to those who had lost loved ones because of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is one of the worst crimes,” Bedford said.

“I hope this ceremony gives hope to those silent witnesses who haven’t been able to reach out for help yet. We hope they know there is help standing by and that this gives them hope to reach out.”

In the grassy area next to the courthouse, several silhouettes of men, women and children stood as representatives of these silent witnesses. The silhouettes, which were painted purple in honor of domestic violence awareness, are still on display.

Frank Hohen, who helped build the silent witnesses, said A & L Building Supply, Green’s Dependable Hardware, and Lewis Electric all donated materials to help make the display, and the Franklin County Courthouse maintenance staff, including Bill Cheatham and Loretta Sikes, donated their labor.

“This was a great example of a community coming together to support this cause,” Hohen said.

“We appreciate all of these people and businesses that donated materials and time to this project.”