Mike Parker: Support SAFE in its battle against domestic violence

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month” occurs each October to raise awareness of what is an all too common occurrence. Domestic violence is a plague on our society. This monster hides behind pretenses of sorrow, apology, and promises. The beast thrives on silence. However, once the echo of kind words fades into that silence, the monster is back in action.

Here is a statistic that brings domestic violence into clearer focus. Between 2001 and 2012, the number of U.S. service personnel killed in Afghanistan and Iraq numbered 6,488. During the same period of time, the number of women murdered by current or former partners totaled 11,766 – nearly double those killed in combat zones.

For women – and men – in Lenoir and Greene counties, SAFE provides a resource, a safety net that takes their plight seriously and moves to give them protection and legal recourse. You have the opportunity to support SAFE in its battle against domestic violence. One event coming up this Thursday, Oct. 17, is a BINGO fundraiser at The Exchange, located at 121 W. Gordon St. here in Kinston. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a chili dinner. The Bingo games will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Participants will be able to compete in 12 separate games for prizes. A few of the prizes include a Beauty Box basket, valued at $100; Arbonne makeup and health products; tickets to a college football game, either ECU or UNC; two separate rolling garment bags, each valued at $125; and a Lennox Jewelry Box, valued at $150.

Admission is $25 per person at the door. Admission covers both the meal and the Bingo games. All monies raised will go to support the efforts of SAFE in both Lenoir and Greene counties.

On Oct. 29, SAFE will show the domestic violence awareness documentary titled “Private Violence.” The showing will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the media center room of the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretative Center, located at 100 N. Queen Street.

This HBO documentary by filmmaker Cynthia Hill focuses on the horrific stories of genuine survivors of domestic violence. After the 77-minute film, a panel of those involved with combating domestic violence will lead a discussion. The subject matter is not suitable for children.

SAFE was established in 1985. In March 1986, the first SAFE shelter opened its doors. SAFE answers approximately 850 hotline phone calls and referrals each year. From 1985 through 2015, SAFE provided 34,700 nights of shelter to more than 3,750 victims of domestic violence.

One in four American women suffers from some form of domestic violence. Too many teens end up victims of partner-violence and date rape. Join with SAFE in combating this “private violence.”