THOMASVILLE — Halcyon Home for Battered Women marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a candlelight vigil that honored victims lost this year to the cruel mistreatment. 

Throughout Georgia, 104 victims lost their lives due to domestic violence — with one reported out of Grady County. 

The victims ranged in age with the youngest being 4 months old. 

One by one candles were lit as the names of the victims were read out loud to make it known that they would never be forgotten.

Deborah Murray, executive director of Halcyon Home, said although COVID-19 affected this year’s program turnout, it still brought attention to the severity of domestic violence.  

“It’s an honor for us to be able to do this every year,” she said. “More appropriately, domestic terrorism impacts women, children and communities as a whole, so that’s why we have events like this to make the community aware of what domestic violence really is and that it is out there, and it is real.”

Community support has been substantial in creating a buzz around domestic violence awareness this month, Murray said.

Purple was worn and displayed around town in observance of Purple Thursday which is recognized nationally on October 21 to help spread domestic violence awareness. 

Fundraising efforts, which Murray said ended successfully, also have been happening throughout October. 

“We did raise our $2,000 that we were trying to do,” she said. “We’ve had a good amount of response and people getting involved.”

All proceeds will go toward the non-profit’s services and shelter needs. 

Current Halcyon shelter clients were also included in the month-long initiative. 

A quilt and a 55-section clothesline project were created by each client and can be found at the Halcyon Home thrift store at 604 E Clay St.

Each quilt and T-shirt were decorated with meaningful words and colors to show the impact of different types of domestic violence and to serve as a therapeutic outlet to those affected.

“These T-shirts and these quilts really speak volumes about domestic violence and what these victims and these children experience,” Murray said. 

Since 1997, Halcyon Home has provided shelter and support to 2,726 women and 3,052 children, according to Murray.

Moving forward, Murray said the organization will continue spreading awareness to hopefully put an end to the yearly fatalities reported and to help more victims in need. 

“We do presentations,” she said, referring to the domestic violence presentations Halcyon Home offers.

An outreach coordinator also goes to different organizations and businesses throughout the five counties to spread information on how to avoid domestic violence. 

“That’s how we continue to promote it throughout the year.”

Murray added that her goal for the future is to target large businesses such as factories due to domestic violence occurring more frequently in those environments. 

“Domestic violence is within businesses and some people don’t even know about it.” she said.

A victim will go back to an abuser up to seven times before finally getting away, Murray mentioned, which is why Halcyon Home’s services, such as household assistance and criminal justice support, are important to the community.

“We provide an environment of encouragement, compassion and support for all those that we serve,” she said. “Without our services and intervention, domestic violence victims will continue to live in violent situations with no support or safe haven.”

For more information about Halcyon Home for battered women call 229-226-6682. Anyone experiencing abuse can contact the 24-hour crisis line at 229-226-6666.