October declared Domestic Violence Awareness Month by City Council

Stephanie Piper with Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence received approval of a proclamation from the Picayune City Council declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Piper said that in 2017, the center has helped approximately 2,498 victims of domestic violence across the six coastal counties of Pearl River, Hancock, Harrison, Stone, George, and Jackson. Piper stated that the center received 15,234 calls to the crisis hotline in 2017 across the six counties. The Center has approximately 50 staff members.

The Center provides several services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and survivors of homicide and all of the services are provided at no charge. Piper said they also provide services for court advocacy, hospital advocacy, shelter, and case management.

Piper asked all those present to help as they launch their social media hash tag #onething to remind people to take action when you see something. Piper said that the moment someone turns their back on an event or something they may have see, that’s the moment that it is okay and people let things continue to happen.

Piper said the Center is always looking for and welcoming donations to help keep their services free to the public. The center is open 24 x 7 for 365 days a year. The 24/7 Crisis Line number is: 1-800-800-1396