ASHLAND — Domestic violence, strangulation and menacing cases account for about 20 percent of people incarcerated in the Ashland County Jail.
Program director at Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven Rebecca Garcia said she recently reviewed the jail population and noticed an increase in those cases.
The numbers emphasize the need for continued awareness and support. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins, Ashland County law enforcement agencies joined the Safe Haven of Ashland Thursday at the Ashland Municipal Court building to show their support.
The Loudonville Police Department, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Division, State Highway Patrol, Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, Loudonville Law Director’s Office, Ashland City Law Director’s Office and the Ashland Safe Haven all stood in solidarity for domestic violence awareness.
The law enforcement in attendance received magnets reading “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and a 24/7 crisis hotline number to display on their cruisers throughout October.
The magnets provide a visible way for people to find help while keeping Safe Haven’s crisis number accessible in the Ashland community.
“We appreciate the significance of your work to support victims and their families,” Garcia said.
The annual photo opportunity is organized by Safe Haven, a program of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center. Garcia said the event is intended to show the community that local agencies are united in addressing domestic violence.
This is the fifth year local law enforcement agencies have participated in the awareness photo, according to Garcia.
The participating agencies also received lapel pins for staff and uniforms. Additional magnets will be distributed to other officers throughout the month.
Safe Haven provides free, confidential services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. Its services include emergency shelter, crisis support, court advocacy, safety planning and education. The organization’s crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day at 419-289-8085.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed each October to raise awareness of domestic violence and recognize resources available to victims and their families.
Safe Haven and local partners will host additional events throughout October. See the calendar below for dates and details.
