Candles were lit for the victims of domestic violence from the last 20 years in Robeson County. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. PN Photo/Zachary C. Young
By: Zachary C. Young Editor-in-Chief
The Southeastern Family Violence Center held its annual candlelight vigil to honor the 93 victims of domestic violence in Robeson County in the last 20 years. The event took place in the downtown plaza in Lumberton on Oct. 21. This is the Southeastern Family Violence Center’s 40-year anniversary.
The 93 victims whose lives were celebrated, are not the only cases in the last 20 years. These are the cases that have been formally noted as domestic violence, with the abuser being charged.
Assistant District Attorney Joe Osman spoke to those in attendance on behalf of the Robeson County District Attorney’s Office. Assuring those in the audience that the DA’s office is a source at the disposal of the community.
Following the remarks of Osman, the focus of the vigil shifted to the tribute for the victims.
Each victim was named, along with their cause of death, relationship to their assailant, the charges and sentence given to the assailant and their release date from prison.
The youngest victim mentioned was a 1-year-old girl. She was beaten to death by her father.
Assistant District Attorney, and District Court Judge candidate, Mary Jane Richardson echoed the sentiments expressed by Osman.
“The community needs to know that the DA’s office isn’t this agency that exists far off from them. We really are here for the victims and their families. We are about prosecuting cases and bringing justice to those who’ve been hurt and harmed,” Richardson said.
Richardson also urges anyone dealing with domestic violence, that their plight is not taboo and there are resources and people in the county that are available to help.
“You don’t have to suffer in silence,” Richardson said.
According to the Southeastern Family Violence Center, in 2020 services were provided to 1,520 individuals. The two largest represented groups were American Indians, with 37.8%, and African American with 21.7%.
78 adults and 63 children were also able to utilize the center’s safe house to escape abusive relationships. In total, 4,663 nights of safe housing were provided to members of the community.
Carol DeLoach, Finance Manager for the Southeastern Family Violence Center, debunked some myths pertaining to domestic violence. Specifically, who can be victims and how that violence manifests itself. DeLoach says not only can violence be physical, but mental, emotional and financial.
“Instead of that person who supposedly loves you encouraging you or pushing you to be your best; they belittle you, they put you down, they’ll make you feel less than who you are. They hold you captive,” DeLoach said.
Director of the Southeastern Family Violence Center, Emily Locklear hopes this event will spark an interest in others and hopefully will initiate some form of educational programs in various communities in the county.
Locklear also believes events such as vigils help survivors and the families of victims cope with the emotions that result from an act of domestic violence. Regarding the invitation to attend the vigil, not all of the family members of the victims were emotionally available to attend.
“Some were, some weren’t. Some still aren’t ready for it yet. It depends on the person and what the [grieving] process has been for them,” Locklear said.
According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 43% of women in college experience some form of violent and abusive behavior.
If you are currently being abused and looking for a way out, contact the Southeastern Family Violence Center at 910-739-8622. There is also a 24-hour confidential crisis line, 910-739-8622 or 1-800-742-7794. The Southeastern Family Violence Center can also provide temporary shelter for victims.