Domestic violence and sexual abuse is a real, but difficult topic for many people to talk about. But, those who have something to say will have a chance to raise their voices this week at the inaugural Speak Up, Speak Out, Speak Loud resource fair this week.
The fair, hosted by Our House Inc., will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Carmel MB Church, 349 Persimmon St. Light refreshments will be provided.
The event was planned by Makayla Morris, who is a member of the church and the Victim Service Advocate for Our House.
The purpose behind the event, she said, is to shed light to the subject of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault is all too real in our community and people need to know the signs and how to deal with these situations as well as know that there is help and to know where to find that help,” Morris said. “I am excited to be here because our generations are moving closer and closer to being apart of domestic violence relationships and are normalizing the things that are happening that should not be. I am here to help continue the legacy here and bring more community members to know that Our House is here to help move toward a new birth to violence free living.”
Because Our House is a far distance for most residents to travel to, Morris said they wanted to bring the event to a location where multiple people can come out and enjoy. The resource fair is for community members to know the different resources available to them, and also add faces and names to agencies in an educational and fun atmosphere.
The vendors that will set up at the event includes Mississippi Valley State University Campus Violence Prevention, Greenville Fire Department, Greenville Police Department, Washington County Sheriff Department, Delta Health Alliance — Indianola Promise Community, Delta Health Alliance — Delta Star; Delta Health Alliance — Delta Heart Health Network and Health Department and Premier Counseling.
At the event, residents will be able to learn more about domestic violence, and sexual assault by hearing the stories first-hand from an officer and a survivor.
Attendees will also be able to take home handouts and pamphlets from the various agencies so they can learn more who they are and what services they offer.
There will also be a reading of a story called “From Victim to Survivor” by an author who has requested to remain anonymous.
Morris said they hope to turn this into an annual event and that it will get more responses from more agencies to participate next year.
About Our House
Our House is a dual domestic violence and sexual assault agency that was founded in 1995 and its first programs began in 1996. They work with victims as well as perpetrators of domestic violence.
Our House currently services 10 counties in the state of Mississippi.
Their vision, according to their website, ourhousevoices.com, is to have a world free of interpersonal violence. Their mission is to “To lead, empower and inspire change by eliminating domestic violence and sexual violence through intervention, prevention, prosecution, victim protection and sustainable restoration in rural communities; and, to enhance the lives of survivors of interpersonal violence by providing services that meet the psychological, spiritual and cultural needs of those we serve.”
Our House currently offers 10 different programs to youth and adults alike. They have hosted a number of community projects as well as trainings and will continue to bring light to domestic and sexual violence.
