October 2008 was officially proclaimed as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, following the signing of an official proclamation yesterday. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza was present for the signing along with mayors Robert H. Ferguson (Maurice), Linda Hardee (Kaplan) and George Dupuis (Erath). Women's advocate for Faith House, a private, non-profit program for survivors of domestic violence and their children, Cindy Triche, said the proclamation states to the community that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, "so the community can know and be aware that there is domestic violence that goes on in each community."

Children's advocate for Faith House, Trisha Breaux said that it is important for people to know that domestic violence is an issue in Vermilion Parish, but that there is help available to them.

"This month we have a lot of stuff going on because of domestic violence awareness; (for instance) we have the Kisses for Cops campaign, which is basically a 'thank you' campaign thanking people in the community that help us throughout the year," Breaux said.

"We also put up posters in doctor's offices, and other places, just to get the word out that we're here, and if people need help they can come to us," she added.

In order to proclaim October the official month for domestic violence awareness, mayors from Vermilion Parish signed a proclamation stating:

"Whereas: Violence against women and children continues to become more prevalent as a social problem due to the imbalance of power related to gender and age. The impact of domestic violence is wide-ranging, directly affecting society as a whole. The crime of domestic violence violates and individual's privacy, dignity, security, and humanity due to systematic use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and economic control and/or abuse. Effective domestic violence intervention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community. The problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people but crosses all economic, racial, and societal barriers and are supported by societal indifference. Domestic violence intervention programs offer positive alternatives for families and encourage strong ties to their community. It is battered women themselves who have been in the forefront of efforts to bring peace and equality to the home.

In recognition of the important work done by domestic violence programs...(we) urge all citizens to actively participate in the scheduled activities and programs sponsored by Vermilion Domestic Abuse Intervention Project and Faith House to work toward the elimination of personal and institutional violence against women."

If you or someone you know may be affected by domestic violence or abuse, Triche urges that you call the free, confidential, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-411-1333, or go to a support group in Abbeville Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. For more information call Faith House at 893-3033.