Ruth’s Cottage and Patticake House host candlelight vigil for domestic violence and sexual assault victims
TIFTON, Ga. – The people of Tifton gather for a heartfelt candlelight vigil in support those who have experienced intimate relationship abuse.
Ruth’s Cottage and the Patticake House invited residents to the ABAC Chapel of All Faith to honor and recognize victims from across the state of Georgia.
“Today is our candlelight vigil night where each year we recognize the deceased victims of domestic violence. We just want to have a space where we can properly remember them. So, many people get lost. This is the time of year where we get to sure that their names are heard and show that how much of an impact it has on a community, because people may recognize these names that they hear,” said Alexis Mack, Sexual Assault Program Manager, Ruth’s Cottage & the Patticake House.
Adorned in purple, attendees each held a candle, illuminating the chapel in a beautiful display of solidarity, a symbol of hope and guidance in the darkness.
Alexis Mack, Sexual Assault Program Manager at Ruth’s Cottage & the Patticake House, highlighted the resources available to assist victims.
“And, we also have a hotline so people can call at any time of the day 24/7 to express their need for help. And, we help them go plan and safety plan and figure out what’s going to happen next. Whether that’s getting a protective order. And then we also have a domestic violence shelter in case they need to leave their emergency situation and go somewhere where their abuser cannot find them. And, then, we also have a sexual assault program, too. So, in case that someone has been assaulted, they can have an advocate go to them, go to the hospital with them and let them know what to do next,” said Mack.
Ruth’s Cottage and Patticake House urge the community not to hesitate in seeking help, emphasizing that anyone can be affected and support is always available.
“I think it’s important for everybody to know that there is help. There are people out there who care and that it does not have to be such an isolated issue. I think a problem with domestic violence is people don’t understand that it can impact any culture, whether socioeconomic status, physical ability, any type of documentation, status sexuality, gender, race, that domestic violence is not something that just impacts the individual person, but that community that person is from as well,” said Mack.
De’Andra Jacobs reporting.
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