PD Coalition details October events and services for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Miss Rogers, a representative of the PD Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault, told the Marion County council about a slate of October events tied to Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urged residents to learn about county services for survivors.

"October is domestic violence awareness month," Miss Rogers said, explaining the coalition's calendar of events and the group's ongoing work supporting survivors. She said Marion police are hosting a first-annual "family, friends, and fun day" that will include a 3-on-3 basketball tournament; she added, "any sponsorships, any donations, anything that they make from this event will go to victims of domestic violence."

Rogers described additional planned events: participation in a local Alzheimer’s Walk on the 18th, the town's Sailor's Racoon Festival on the 18th, a "Loving Yourself" trauma discussion in Mullins at city hall on the 23rd, a trunk-or-treat, and a domestic violence memorial. She emphasized the coalition's services, including a 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter capacity to help residents escape dangerous situations.

Rogers said the outreach stems in part from community concerns after the death of Vanessa Crossett, noting people told her they had not known where to get help. "We're out here every day trying to let the citizens of Marion County know that we're here to help them no matter what," she said. There was no formal council action attached to the presentation; it was given during the public comment section of the meeting.