Domestic Violence Vigil to be Oct. 5

In honor of this recognition, the Jackson County Domestic Violence and Sexual Task Force will sponsor an observance Friday, Oct. 5, from noon until 1 p.m. at the Jackson County Courthouse.

Diane Conger of Smoky Mountain Counseling Center will emcee the event. Speakers will include Sen. Dan Robinson, Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver, Jackson County Sheriff Jim Cruzan, Sylva Police Chief Jeff Jamison, Gene McAbee of WCU public safety and a former survivor of domestic violence.

Bells from Sylva's First Baptist Church will ring every six seconds to signify "that every six seconds in our country a victim of domestic violence is seriously insured." At the end of the ceremony, balloons will be released by participants to honor the victims of domestic violence in North Carolina.

Jackson County is a pro-active community committed to zero tolerance of domestic violence, said REACH executive director Jean Bockstahler. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force is comprised of representatives from numerous agencies, including REACH, law enforcement, Harris Regional Hospital, Jackson Department of Public Health, Family Resource Center, WCU, SCC, Department of Social Services, WNC Legal Services and many other concerned citizens. As a group, the task force has been a regional leader in helping to develop a coordinated community response to domestic violent.

For those coming to the observance on lunch hour, drinks, food and ice cream will be available for purchase.

Back to Archive: 10/04/01.