Faith Bannister | WVOW News
LOGAN Members from the Tug Valley Recovery Shelter were in
attendance for a proclamation regarding Domestic Violence
Month at the Logan County Commission meeting Monday,
September 26.
Since 1987, October has been designated as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month. The purpose of the month designation is to
educate as well as raise awareness, but most importantly bring
support and strength to victims.
The shelter has provided safety and refuge to women and
children in the community for forty years. For those in need of a
safe place to stay, the shelter provides eleven beds and a living
space. The shelter serves Mingo County and Logan County.
Sherry Hatfield is a victim advocate at the Tug Valley Recovery
Shelter and has worked there upwards of 25 years. Hatfield was
accompanied by Domestic Violence Specialist Larissa Fraley
and Victim Services Coordinator Carolyn Williamson of the
Logan County Sheriff’s Office. The women shared numerous
statistical evidence as to how much domestic violence affects
the people of the area.
“At the recovery shelter in that period of time (2019-2020) we
served thirty children and 221 adults,” said Hatfield. “Eleven
adults stayed in the shelter, 231 people received non-sheltered
services, and there were 573 shelter nights. 1,294 service hours,
and 679 volunteer hours. And I can guarantee you the numbers
are higher when we’re not in a pandemic.”
County Commission President Danny Godby read from the
proclamation, “Only a coordinated community effort will put a
stop of erroneous crime. Whereas Domestic Violence
Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity for citizens
to learn more about preventing domestic violence, and to show
support for the numerous organizations and individuals who
provide critical advocacy, services, and systems to victims.”
The resolution declaring October as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month in Logan County was approved unanimously.