Event, education part of month

MOSES LAKE - The Grant County commissioners proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month last week.

As part of the month, New Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services is holding a Take Back the Night event along with various other educational events during the month.

The event starts at 6 p.m. on Oct. 16 at the Moses Lake New Hope office at 1065 W Broadway.

It's scheduled to include speakers from law enforcement, public officials and a victim speaking on the subject, said Suzi Fode, New Hope's program director.

"The goals for this month are first to have a successful event with Take Back the Night," she said. "What we hope to do is enlighten people and make people aware of (domestic violence) issues in the community. We hope we are able to share some awareness with the medical community, law enforcement and the faith-based community."

Fode said domestic violence is a subject which isn't talked about a lot because people may feel uncomfortable getting involved.

"People think, they don't want to get involved," she said. "Who knows? Maybe it's your sister that's being abused. (Domestic violence) is a social problem and these harder economic times may bring about more instances of domestic violence and sexual assault."

Along with the event, there are purple ribbons and posters available at the Moses Lake office. They also offer counseling, legal services, referrals to other services, a shelter, support group and therapy services.

"Our whole point and purpose is to re-empower victims," Fode said. "Our goal is to help victims become survivors so they're no longer victims."

They also take used cell phones and make them into 9-1-1 phones. The extra phones are sold and help to fund the agency.

"(People can) do collections within their organizations," she said. "We like anything that we can give victims on the run. We've got a wish list drawn up if people want to stop by and grab a copy of it."

For more information, call the Moses Lake office at 509-764-8402 or the Othello office at 509-488-2699.