While families throughout The City Beautiful will be gathering to give thanks, we would like to highlight some of the recent events in Laurel that we can all be thankful for!
In October, Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee met with members of the community, the Laurel Police Department, the Shafer Center, the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter (DAFS) and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department to recognize the month as Domestic Abuse Awareness month.
The event kicked off with volunteers providing information on domestic abuse for the community on the steps at City Hall before moving into the building’s rotunda where domestic abuse survivor, Ishaunna Gully, shared her inspirational story. The event concluded with Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee signing a proclamation which read as follows:
Whereas, Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or religion, and
Whereas, Every day, three women lose their lives in this country as a result of domestic violence and millions of Americans live in daily, silent fear within their own homes; and
Whereas, Children who witness domestic violence often grow up believing that physical cruelty in relationships is acceptable behavior, and thus they tend to perpetuate a cycle of violence in society; and
Whereas, Domestic violence costs the nation billions of dollars annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters, foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-productivity; and
Whereas, Our efforts must extend beyond the criminal justice system to include housing and economic advocacy for survivors. We must also reach out to friends and loved ones who suffered from domestic violence, and we must tell them they are not alone; and
Whereas, We must continue to hold domestic abusers accountable, punish them to the full extent of the law and prevent them from inflicting more abuse; and
Whereas, Victims Service Providers are joining forces with victim service programs, criminal justice officials, and concerned citizens throughout the City of Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing as we raise awareness of victims’ rights and observe National Domestic Violence Awareness Month;
Whereas, This October, we can honor National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by promoting peace in our own families, homes, and communities and renewing our commitment to end Domestic Violence – in every city, every town, and every corner of America.
Now, therefore, I, Johnny Magee, Mayor of the City of Laurel, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2024, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reaffirm the commitment of Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi, to respect and enforce victims’ rights and address their needs during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout the year; and express our appreciation for those victims and crime survivors who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force to improve our response to victims of crime and build a more just community.
Given under my hand and affixed with the Seal of the City of Laurel on this the 11th day of October, A.D. 2024.
Later, on October 30th, at noon, the Laurel High School Student Council held a balloon release in recognition of the month.
The students were joined by the LPD Victim Advocate who shared information about the local resources that are available to those impacted by domestic violence and Resource Officer Michael Washington provided information on how to report an incident.
The student council also provided a donation to Missing Peace Ministry, which provides shelter and support to victims of human trafficking.
While Domestic Violence is an awful reality in communities across the country, we can be thankful that we have a supportive community and many resources to meet the needs of those affected by this tragedy.
