Nonprofits uniting to spread domestic violence awareness

October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Graham Crisis Center is looking to educate the community on this topic during their National Day of Unity for domestic violence awareness. 

While the National Day of Unity is recognized during the first Monday in October, the crisis center will be holding a domestic violence awareness event from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Young County Courthouse. 

“It is very short but it is very impactful,” Graham Crisis Center Executive Director Joy Petersen said. “We will be there with survivors, advocates from other agencies such as Virginia’s House and Affirming Texas Families will join us. We just want to spotlight this situation that so many women and children need protection from.” 

These survivors and advocates will share some of their stories to try and show the true impact within the community. 

Last year, Petersen said the crisis center saw around 25 women come through the center as well as 30 children. 

Being at the center for three years at the top of its operations, Petersen has overseen the care of many victims of domestic violence, which is a position she takes on with pride. 

“As a survivor of domestic violence, knowing what these women go through and being in their shoes before, I’m very blessed to be able to now give back, guide, love and advocate for these women and children that come through our door,” she said.
 
Even before her time though, the center has a long history in Graham of helping those who have been abused. 

The center was able to purchase private property, through community donations, within the city limits for a women’s shelter, now called Harry’s House. 

That location supplies free clothing, food and shelter and all necessities to those staying there. 

The shelter holds three bedrooms that can house up to eight at a time at maximum capacity. Harry’s House also has one washroom and one bathroom for each of those staying in the shelter. 

For more info on the shelter and its programs, Petersen said to contact her either over the phone at 940-549-6002 Ext. 3, or through email at joy@grahamcrisiscenter.org. The center also has a website, www.grahamcrisiscenter.org. 

The Graham Crisis Center and Harry’s House also have Facebook pages for further information.