THOMASVILLE — Mayor Greg Hobbs presented a proclamation to Halcyon Home for Battered Women to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Since 1994 the organization has provided safe shelter and services to women, children and men affected by domestic violence. 

Deborah Murray, executive director of Halcyon Home for Battered Women, said the proclamation will help spread awareness as the organization continues supporting victims. 

“It makes the community aware that October is recognized in our area to be Domestic Violence awareness month. It’s OK for us to be out here bringing this awareness to our community,” she said.

Mayor Hobbs added presenting the proclamation to the non-profit has become an annual affair he said is important for the community.

“This is a yearly proclamation that is important for many reasons, including raising community awareness about domestic violence,” he said. “Throughout the month of October, citizens are urged to learn more about these issues.”

Fundraising initiatives have become a huge part of supporting Halcyon Home for Battered Women.

Throughout October, purple bows that honor domestic violence awareness month are being sold for $15 and put up around Thomasville.

Last year $1,000 was raised but this year Murray expects to increase that number. 

“This year we’d like to maybe double that if we can,” she said. 

October 21 will mark the annual Purple Thursday event which will include a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. to remember those lost to domestic violence. 

Last year in Georgia alone, 104 victims died due to domestic violence incidents, according to Murray.

Although no domestic violence fatalities have been reported in Thomasville, Murray said the number of domestic violence incidents remains high, especially during COVID-19. 

In the past two years crisis calls in Thomas County have totaled up to 798, specifically between October 2019 and September 2021,Murray said . 

But Mayor Hobbs said Domestic Violence Awareness Month can help reduce that number.

“Raising community awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the resources available to those affected by it helps us to work towards reducing incidents of these types of crimes,” he said. 

Murray encourages anyone facing domestic violence to reach out to Halcyon House for support and helpful resources such as legal and courthouse advocacy.

“We’re here to provide services and safety to victims of domestic violence not just in Thomasville but also four other counties,”

For more information about Halcyon Home for Battered Women visit Halcyonhomeshelter.org. Anyone experiencing domestic violence should call the crisis line at 229-226-6666.