Wise Hope holds domestic violence awareness vigil

The Wise Hope Crisis Center held a vigil to honor those affected by domestic abuse to show awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event was held at the Jack County Courthouse on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Other vigils were held nearby including one at Nocona and Bowie. A future one will be held in Decatur on Oct. 17.

Karen VanderKaay, a victim advocate for Wise Hope in Jack County, said the vigil is an annual event to bring forth the struggles of people in abusive and violent relationships.

“We use this event to show that people care,” VanderKaay said. “We tell people that we can help them even if they’re scared and that people in the community are here to help too.”

VanderKaay said domestic abuse is scary to talk about, but Wise Hope offers many resources to help those in need, with men and women both being serviced.

“We are a completely confidential organization,” VanderKaay said. “We have parking in the back of our office so people won’t see your car at our office and everything is free and you can stay anonymous. We don’t share that information with anyone. They can come in and we help them with legal processes, safety planning and exit plans, as well as providing free counseling and education classes.”

The vigil was a large part of the events in the community to promote awareness but Wise Hope also plans on offering a free self-defense class later this month.

“The class is on October 22 and Bob Nuttall is volunteering his time to help,” VanderKaay said. “He has an academy in Weatherford and is a very high-caliber martial arts teacher, and the sheriff’s office be there to help coordinate as well.”

The class is for ages 17 and up, and is free to the first 20 people that sign up and register through the Wise Hope Crisis Center – Jack County Facebook Page or by calling Wise Hope at 940-507-5025.