The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia is hosting several events during October to honor survivors and raise awareness as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This annual initiative encourages discussions around domestic violence and aims to break the stigma that prevents many survivors from seeking help.

Dawn Burns, Vice President of Operations at the Rescue Mission, emphasizes the importance of bringing domestic violence into public discourse. According to Burns, raising awareness helps survivors feel empowered to come forward, and encourages communities to support those affected.

Jason Beck, Vice President of Programs at the Rescue Mission, outlined several alarming statistics about domestic violence. In the United States, one in five women and one in seven men will experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime. Georgia ranks 17th in the nation for the rate at which women are killed by men. Additionally, domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families, and 90% of children witness domestic violence in their homes.

To spotlight the issue, the Rescue Mission has organized several events across Middle Georgia this month. The first event will take place on October 19th at the Shoppes at River Crossing, where purple pinwheels will be displayed to represent victims who lost their lives to domestic violence in Georgia. Visitors will also have access to resources and information at the event.

The second event is scheduled for October 29th, when a candlelight vigil will be held at Washington Park in collaboration with Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia. Starting at 6 p.m., the vigil will include a survivor’s testimony and a memorial to honor victims of domestic violence.

Additionally, the Rescue Mission’s thrift stores, including the Bargain Center on Napier Avenue and the Barn Center on Zebulon Road, will offer special savings throughout the month to further raise awareness.

These efforts are part of a broader push by the Rescue Mission to foster conversation, advocate for survivors, and highlight the reality of domestic violence in the community.