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Letter to the editor

Thu, 07/13/2017 - 5:42 pm
The Dark Side of Summer

Summer is a time of relaxing, vacationing, picnicking, and celebrating holidays!  Many start counting down to summer as soon as Spring Break ends, with great anticipation.  But, there is a “dark” side of summer that most are unaware.  Last year, Domestic Violence incidences increased by 33 percent in the summer months for Jack and Wise Counties!

The season, obviously, does not cause the increase in domestic violence.  The summer months bring with it many stressors.  Funding of activities for the kids, higher utility bills, growing children snacking all day, and the extra time that everyone is home together may contribute to additional irritants!  As this describes most family settings, there is a probability that, if there is an already existing tendency for power and control with a parent figure, the end result can be devastating.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help at Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center.  One-in-three Texans have or will have experienced domestic violence in their home within their lifetime, according to Texas Council on Family Violence.  There is no shame in asking for help.  The opposite is quite true; it takes a lot of courage and bravery to seek assistance.  

At the Wise Hope Crisis Center Outreach Office in Jacksboro, 200 N Church, we are here to listen and support you in your situation.  We offer education on healthy relationships and may have resources that can help you improve your situation. All of our services are free and 100% confidential, also available in Spanish.  We are able to be reached on our 24-hour hotline number, 940-507-5025, office hours are Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.    

No one deserves to be abused, controlled, or threatened in a relationship, and that includes you!

Karen VanderKaay

Victim Advocate