Moultrie City Councilwoman Angela Castellow, left, Serenity House Director Blue Hackle, second from right, and Colquitt County Sheriff Al Whittington, right, join the staff of the Colquitt County District Attorney’s Office to place a purple bow on Colquitt County’s ‘Tree of Life.’

In recognition of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Serenity House is honoring survivors with a candlelight prayer vigil in an effort to raise public awareness about domestic violence. Also, several local pastors will be in attendance as attendees pray for the country.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is celebrated around the country by advocates, victim service providers, law enforcement, the judiciary, prosecutors and survivors.

This year’s vigil will be held 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Colquitt County Courthouse Annex Commissioners large meeting room in the center of the second floor.

This year’s theme is “Mourn, Celebrate, and Connect” and is meant to mourn those who have died due to domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived, and connect with those who work to end violence.

“Domestic violence is not discriminating,” said Blue Hackle, director of Serenity House, Colquitt County’s women’s shelter. “It can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender and it affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

“Domestic violence not only affects those who are abused,” Hackle said, “but it also has a huge impact on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community at large. Children who grow up witnessing domestic violence are among those seriously affected by this crime.”

Hackle added that exposure to domestic violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life and, consequently, increases their risk of becoming society’s next generation of victims and abusers.

“One study estimated that boys who are exposed to domestic violence may be four times more likely to perpetrate such violence when they become adults,” Hackle said.

She also noted that the community is not immune from experiencing economic cost as a result of this crime.

“Think domestic violence doesn’t affect you? Think again.” Hackle said.

Other studies have noted that between one quarter and one half of the victims of domestic violence in the United States have reported to have lost their employment, in whole or part, because of the violence to which they were subjected.

Domestic violence costs employers in the U.S. as well, with one study indicating such costs to be in the vicinity of nearly $13 billion a year.

Information displays and packets will also be provided by Serenity House. The public is invited to attend and join together as a community to send a message to all victims of domestic violence that they are not forgotten, that they are not alone, and that the community is here to do whatever it can to help them in the rebuilding of their lives.

If you have lost someone due to domestic violence, please bring a framed picture to share (then take home) of your loved one for the “Remember Always” table. Refreshments will be provided.

If you have questions call Hackle at (229) 782-5394.