tHE BUZZ: Family violence should not occur; but it does

By Marlene Bohr

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There is a great likelihood that someone reading this is a victim of domestic violence or someone reading this has knowledge of someone in an abusive relationship.  You do not have to live like that; this is 2013, and there are agencies to help you and your children.
There will be a Silent Witness Ceremony in the Daingerfield City Park on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. This event is to remember the victims of domestic violence. The family of Karen Cox will speak, as will survivor Amanda Bailey.  Anyone can attend this ceremony and learn more about family violence.
Sheltered Agencies for Families in East Texas in Mount Pleasant offers help to women and men who are in an abusive relationship. They offer a means to free yourself and children and they offer protection in the event you want to escape from that relationship.
In the past year we have the knowledge of at least two women in our area who have lost their lives when their spouse shot them. Often following violence, the perpetrator begs forgiveness and says they will never do it again. They probably will.
The following is advice from SAFE-T in Mount Pleasant for anyone considering their situation but is not quite ready to leave. Always keep some money hidden. Keep extra keys for car and house.
Have important documents and items readily available such as driver’s license and number, his and yours; marriage license-certificate; bank statements  with account numbers; insurance policies; birth certificates, yours and your children’s; Social Security numbers, his, yours and your children; list of important phone numbers, medications and prescriptions, valuable jewelry; and have a small bag with extra clothing
Hide these things in one central place such as a friend’s house, garage, closet, etc. in an overnight bag, gym bag, paper bag or whatever is available. Figure out what his/her pattern of behavior is during the violent stage and determine where the best place would be to have these things available to you, should you need to leave quickly.
Establish a code with a neighbor or friend in case an emergency arises.
Above all don’t hesitate to call the police. Call 9-1-1.
Get rid of weapons in the house.
Let neighbors be alert to strange noises and call the police.