Reach pays tribute to domestic-violence victims
Robbinsville – Reach of Cherokee/Graham County hosted “Shatter the Silence” – an event to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence – outside the Graham County Courthouse on Oct. 24.
Reach Executive Director Cecilia Crawford Faulkner spoke about domestic violence, and the importance of respecting victims of domestic violence and families affected.
“Their son or daughter died and they don’t know what to do,” Faulkner pointed out.
Faulkner talked about praying for victims, their families and – even if it is hard – the abuser.
Many police officers also die going to domestic violence calls. Emotions are very high in that situation and drugs are also often involved.
“That’s the most dangerous call. Often the victim will attack them too, so pray for them,” said Faulkner.
Graham County Sheriff’s Office Detective Graham Page later read the list of victims and how they died from domestic violence in North Carolina. He also named the officers who perished on a domestic-violence call, nationwide.
The Aug. 2022 – Sept. 2023 list had 65 names and 16 officers. While their names floated in the air, listeners placed butterflies in the plant beds in front of the courthouse.
Faulkner ended the memorial pleading everyone to be kind to one another. It is unknown what a person is going through or what their home life is like.
Items were also given out, including cards with the name of a person who died from domestic violence. Faulkner explained that people can keep the card to pray for the person’s family for a year until the next Shatter the Silence event.
“I want you to leave today with these names soaked in your heart,” said Faulkner.
The Graham County Reach office is inside Liberty Missionary Church (300 Five Points Road, Ste. 2), where those in need can visit.
Reach can also be contacted through a crisis line at 828-837-8064, by call or text. All calls are completely confidential.
Resources are also available at reachofcherokeecounty.org.