Safeplace walk renews focus on domestic violence awareness

RUSSELLVILLE — SafePlace brought its Domestic Violence Awareness Walk back to Franklin County for the first time in nearly two decades.

SafePlace Executive Director Sandra Ells said about 50 people attended the event, many wearing purple shirts and ribbons to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to highlight services available to those in danger.

Kim Smith, Outreach Program manager and court advocate for Franklin County, opened the event by thanking the crowd for standing together against abuse.

“It really warms my heart to see everyone who showed up and stood out here today,” Smith said. “If anyone is thinking about getting out of a relationship, look around and see all the support you have. You may feel alone, but you’re not.”

Smith said the Purple Walks were held across all six counties Safeplace serves — Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion, Winston and Lawrence.

“Domestic violence isn’t just a private issue,” she said. “It’s a community issue. When we stand together, we show that abuse is not tolerated and that help is available.”

Ells said the agency operates shelters in Lauderdale and Marion counties and offers court advocacy, relocation help, counseling, rent and utility assistance, and a 24-hour helpline at 256767-6210.

She said Safeplace assisted 3,019 people last year, including many from Franklin County’s Hispanic community.

According to Ells, the organization’s focus remains on safety planning and long-term recovery.

Ells said the goal is to help each person make a safe, informed decision about when and how to leave.

“The first 72 hours after someone leaves an abusive situation are the most dangerous,” she said. “That’s when an abuser has lost control. We encourage people to call the helpline so we can help them plan safely.”

Ells said Safeplace staff meet clients wherever they are in the process — from crisis response to rebuilding stability.

“When someone comes into shelter, the first goal is rest and recovery,” she said. “From there, case managers help them find resources and set goals.”

Once basic safety is established, she said, the next focus is stability and self-sufficiency.

“We can help with rent, utilities, relocation, even dental or medical needs — whatever helps them regain independence.”

She added that Safeplace, founded in 1981, will mark its 45th anniversary next year.

For Ells, every success story is personal.

“To help a client know they’re safe and see them become independent without fear — that’s extraordinary,” she said. “It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had but the most rewarding.”

District Attorney Jeff Barksdale told participants he values Safeplace’s partnership with law enforcement and the court system.

“As a prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact domestic violence can have on families,” he said.

He praised the organization’s staff and volunteers for their compassion and professionalism.

“Safeplace is more than a shelter. It’s a team of advocates and professionals who provide safety and hope to people escaping abuse.”

Barksdale said advocates play a crucial role in the legal process.

“Our system can feel overwhelming and intimidating after trauma,” he said. “Safeplace advocates sit beside victims during interviews and court hearings, helping them stay calm and strong.

“That support changes everything — it gives victims the confidence to testify, stand up to their abusers and reclaim control over their lives.”

Ells said the walk’s revival was about more than awareness — it was about connection.

“Anyone can call the helpline, day or night,” she said. “Even if you’re not the one in danger, you might be the lifeline for someone who is.”