CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Domestic violence affects all of us and most incidents are never reported, Chesterfield Police say.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In honor of the cause, Chesterfield County, the Chesterfield County Police Department and the Chesterfield County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center are shining a light on the warning signs and resources available for victims and their families.
In 2014, Chesterfield County police responded to 8,162 domestic-related calls for service. Five out of nine homicides last year in the county were domestic related.
“Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or income.”
To generate more awareness within the community, the police department outfitted a patrol car with the national color for the campaign, purple. The car can be seen throughout the month at events and on patrol.
“Domestic violence takes a toll on not only victims and those closest to them, but also on our community as a whole,” said Col. Thierry Dupuis, chief of the Chesterfield County Police Department. “Domestic violence is a community issue, and we must come together to help prevent these incidents by reporting abusers, providing resources for victims and speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves.”
The Chesterfield County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center acts as a resource for countywide service providers, victims or offenders, as appropriate, by assisting to link professionals and residents with available services in the community.
“Domestic and sexual violence and stalking cannot often be clearly defined as it relates to its impact on an individual,” said Patricia Jones-Turner, domestic and sexual violence resource center coordinator. “If you or someone you know is being threatened, intimidated, bullied or has been made to feel fearful, please speak up. The only problems that can’t be solved are those that remain silent or hidden.”
If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic violence, call the 24/7 regional domestic violence hotline at 804-612-6126. For Chesterfield County-specific resources, contact Tana Mooney, the police department’s civilian domestic violence coordinator at 804-318-8110 or Patricia Jones-Turner at 804-318-8265. Both Mooney and Jones-Turner are excellent county resources for victims and families of victims of domestic violence.
Click here for more information on breaking the silence on domestic violence.
