By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
There were 61 people who died in North Carolina this past year as a result of family or domestic violence.
“One victim is too many,” said Jeanne Preisler of the Family Crisis Council of Rowan County.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Family Crisis Council of Rowan County is sponsoring an Oct. 16 walk to honor survivors and victims of domestic abuse.
“This is in an effort to raise awareness in the community,” she said.
The walk, which will take about 20 minutes, is to honor those people. The walk will begin at 1 p.m. at the Rowan County Courthouse and end at the F&M Trolley Barn on Liberty Street.
A local restaurant has donated some items for lunch.
“It’s time that Rowan County as a community, we realize it’s happening in our neighborhoods and we try to do something about it,” Preisler said.
At the close of the walk, participants will release doves, which is a universal symbol of peace. It is also a part of the Family Crisis Council’s logo.
The doves are provided by Lucky Loft White Dove Release.
“We are striving for peace not violence. Releasing the doves is a symbol of honoring those who have passed away, she said.
Anyone who wants to know more about the Family Crisis Council and its services can get more information Monday at the Catawba College Center for the Environment from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. during an orientation meeting.
Also on Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. ń 4 p.m. there will be a children’s summit that will deal with the impact of domestic violence on children at Hood Theological Seminary. For more information, call 704-636-7611.
On Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. there will be a Domestic Violence Awareness Event at Livingstone College.
The Family Crisis Council of Rowan County is a non-profit agency that helps those affected by rape, incest, sexual assault and domestic violence.The Family Crisis Council is a Rowan County United Way funded organization.
For more information, visit the Family Crisis Council of Rowan County at www.familycrisiscouncil.org.