One in every four women, and one in every seven men, will experience domestic violence during their lifetime.
It's an issue that is not confined to any group of people, but crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious and societal barriers and is sustained by societal indifference.
The aforementioned facts were presented during the reading of a proclamation recognizing October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which was approved Tuesday by the Fremont County Board of Commissioners.
Representing Family Crisis Services, Inc., Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Crystal Sumpter pointed out that approximately 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence every year, and when a family member is abused, it can have long-term damaging effects on the victim that also leave a mark on family, friends and the community at large.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Family Crisis Services, Inc. has been serving the community for more than 20 years.
"The work that they do in this community is not well known for those who do not need the work, but for those who need you there, you make the entire world of difference," Commissioner Debbie Bell, who also is a former board member for Family Crisis Services, Inc., said. "You make all the difference for those people, whether they are men or women, and their children, as well."
Family Crisis Services, Inc. offers an emergency shelter, advocacy, support, legal information and support, counseling, education and training, emergency room support, and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) specific services.
Bell expressed appreciation for the work that Family Crisis Services, Inc. does 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.
"There is a shelter locally where those who are suffering abuse can go to," Bell said. "They will be well protected there, helped through the legal services, any kind of emotional support, counseling, all of those different kinds of things."
For those who are not ready to leave, the staff can help with a safety plan or just talk through the situation.
Family Crisis Services hotline is available 24/7 at 719-275-2429 and the National Sexual Assault Hotline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673.
For more information, visit https://www.familycrisisonline.org/.
In other business, the board:
- Accepted and approved the 2022 financial statements, management letter and audit report from Logan and Associates, LLC.
- Scheduled a public hearing and special board meeting for 9 a.m. Oct. 15 for consideration and adoption of the Fremont County Zoning Resolution, including official Fremont County Zoning Maps and fee schedule for the Planning and Zoning department.
- Approved a Temporary Use Permit for Pop's Pumpkin Patch to run a Pumpkin Patch with a tractor hayride, hay maze and kids' play area from Sept. 27 through Oct. 31 at 1940 13th St. in Penrose.
- Reappointed Carl "Chip" Cumm to the Fremont County Airport Advisory Board with a term ending Oct. 1, 2027.
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