November 16, 2010 5:37 PM
Diane Turbyfill
One man, two women and two children died in acts of domestic violence in Gaston County since July.
The Shelter of Gaston County and The Gaston County Domestic Violence Prevention Council hosted a march in the chilly, damp afternoon Tuesday in response to the most recent domestic violence fatality, Lebrandon Octavious Lee.
Lee died of a knife wound to the chest on Oct. 30.
The march this week was not a memorial to Lee, rather a protest against domestic violence, said Beth Bolin with The Shelter of Gaston County.
Marches are held on the grounds of the Gaston County Department of Social Services any time there is a death by domestic violence. Far too many of these events have been held in 2010, said Bolin.
“It is discouraging,” said Bolin. “We’re not going to get rid of domestic violence. We know that. But we try to chip away at it a little at a time. We want people to see that there are services available.”
Carrying signs that speak out against domestic violence and participating in marches in public venues will, it is hoped, break the deadly silence, said Bolin.
“We do worry that there’s a lot that’s not talked about,” said Bolin.
The Shelter aims to assist women in violent situations. Sadly, many domestic violence victims stay with their abusers too long. They rationalize not leaving and often try to save money before cutting ties. That rationale can sometimes end in death.
The marches are held to let women know there are other options.
Bolin said she also presents programs in local schools to talk to girls about dating violence.
“Even if it keeps just a couple from getting in a violent dating situation, that makes a difference,” said Bolin.
Typically geared toward women, domestic violence assistance is available for anyone who needs help, Bolin said. The crisis situation can cross all socioeconomic lines, she said.
Gaston domestic violence deaths in 2010
- Lebrandon Octavious Lee was found with a stab wound to the chest on Oct. 30. His girlfriend, Christian Bates, has been charged with first-degree murder.
- A local teaching assistant and cheerleading coach, Laura Newman, was shot and killed by her husband, Randall Newman, who then turned the gun on himself on Oct. 17.
- The Dallas community was rattled by a horrific murder suicide on July 8. Austen Blake Minter shot and killed his girlfriend, Tracy Lee Hedgepath, and two of their children, 6-year-old Austen Blake Minter II and 3-year-old Serenity Tyvon Minter.
One child, Destiny Minter, survived a bullet to the head. She spent time recovering in the hospital and has since returned to school, according to a Facebook page set up for her by family members. The family has declined to comment about the girl’s condition.
Help for domestic violence victims
According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, there have been 58 domestic violence homicides this year.
Women who have been abused by their partners or family members can call Gaston County’s 24-hour domestic violence crisis line at 704-852-6000 or visit The Shelter online at www.co.gaston.nc.us/shelter.
No comments:
Post a Comment