Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs recently proclaimed the month of October 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Cullman. Several agencies were represented at the presentation at city hall including Victim Services of Cullman Director Jessica Atchley and Board President Erin Dover, Cullman Police Chief Joey Duncan and Assistant Chief Brandon Patterson, Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Darren Peeples, Cullman Municipal Court Clerk Blakelee Cockrell and Chief Magistrate Laura Allison, Cullman EMS Director James Curtis, and Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker and Victim Services Officer Bradley Williams.

Domestic violence is the single most common source of injury to survivors — more common than automobile accidents, muggings and rape by a stranger combined. Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of economic, racial, gender, educational, religious or societal status. It violates a person’s privacy, dignity, security and humanity through a pattern of abusive behavior intended to control and dominate. That abusive behavior can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, social, economic, psychological or spiritual.

Prevention requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions and systems — each able to add a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities.

“We make a difference when we bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence” said Jacobs. “I am proud to proclaim ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ each year in order to help educate the public on how to prevent domestic violence and assist survivors.”

The #DVAM2024 theme is Heal, Hold & Center. This theme asks everyone to intentionally pause and take a moment to recognize domestic violence prevention advocates and domestic violence survivors across the country by:

— Promoting HEALing by encouraging survivors to practice self-care and to take time for themselves; and,

— HOLDing space for survivors by being present and supportive (but not forceful) as the survivor navigates their next steps; and,

— CENTERing those who are most marginalized in our communities.

During DVAM 2024, everyone is asked to use the hashtag #CallforUnity on social media and tag an advocate who embodies what it means to Heal, Hold & Center survivors. More information on the #HealHoldCenter theme can be found at dvawareness.org/HealHoldCenter.

In the U.S., domestic violence is a serious and widespread problem affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men each year. Victims of domestic violence often need things like emergency shelter, housing, counseling, transportation, childcare, legal representation and more. Victim Services of Cullman was established in 1991 to help victims of domestic violence. During the years, the agency has expanded to provide comprehensive services (including shelter, crisis response, education and advocacy) for those impacted by domestic and sexual violence in Cullman and Winston Counties. Their stated goal is “to empower survivors and help them rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear.”

“The city appreciates all of those in our community — the folks at Victim Services, our law enforcement and court officials and countless others — who work to educate our community about domestic violence and who provide much-needed services for survivors,” said Jacobs.

To find out more about Victim Services of Cullman, Inc., visit victimservices.online or call the administrative office at 256-775-2600.

Those needing help can call Victim Services of Cullman’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at 256-734-6100 or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) [TTY 1-800-787-3224]; or by texting START to 88788; or, by using the online chat feature at thehotline.org or contact your local law enforcement agency.