October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Hope Harbour is encouraging the Chattahoochee Valley community to come together to raise awareness, support survivors and remember those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence.

Hope Harbour has served as a lifeline for victims of domestic violence for more than 45 years, providing emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and community outreach to help survivors find safety and rebuild their lives.

Domestic violence can take many forms and is not limited to physical abuse. According to Hope Harbour, abuse can also be emotional, psychological, sexual, digital and financial. The organization says domestic violence centers around power and control, with abusive behaviors being used to dominate or isolate another person.

Hope Harbour notes that one in three women and one in four men experience some form of intimate partner violence during their lifetime. The organization also says children who witness domestic violence can face increased risks of trauma, anxiety and long-term health challenges.
Hope Harbour says raising awareness can help break the silence surrounding abuse, reduce stigma and empower victims to seek help.

Community members can help by learning the warning signs of domestic violence, sharing information, supporting victims without judgment and connecting those in need with available resources. Hope Harbour also encourages residents to participate in local awareness events, volunteer and support organizations serving survivors.

Candlelight Vigil and Walk

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Hope Harbour will host a Candlelight Vigil and Walk on Tuesday, October 6.

The walk will begin at 5 p.m. at the Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way in Columbus, at the entrance facing the library.
The Candlelight Vigil will follow at 5:30 p.m. at the

Columbus Public Library Auditorium, located at 3200 Macon Road.

The event will honor and remember those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence while standing in solidarity with survivors and their families.

Hope Harbour is also sharing the story of a former client who went from surviving an unsafe living situation to rebuilding her life with support from the organization.

The woman initially faced abuse, financial hardship, transportation challenges and uncertainty about her future. With support from Hope Harbour, she secured stable housing, learned to manage her finances, connected with community resources and continued pursuing employment despite transportation difficulties.

She eventually found employment closer to home, continued saving toward purchasing a reliable vehicle and began building healthier relationships, establishing boundaries and strengthening her support system.

Hope Harbour says her experience demonstrates the importance of providing survivors with more than just a safe place to stay.

“Hope changes lives,” the organization said, emphasizing that advocacy, resources and support can help survivors move from surviving to thriving.

Hope Harbour says donations help provide survivors with the resources, advocacy and support needed to begin rebuilding their lives.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who knows someone who may be in danger can contact Hope Harbour’s 24-hour crisis line at 706-324-3850.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.