Saturday, October 10, 2009

Voices,...

...For Change!



That's what the event was called. This afternoon a variety of music acts gathered at the Westport Central School to bring attention to the fact that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month.



Performing this afternoon was a local favorite, ALKATRAZ. This band, although the oldest member is only a 10th grader in high school, already has a professional sound. I congratualte Gabe, Austin, Jack and Aaron for an outstanding performance today! Watch for them folks,... we'll be hearing a lot more from them in years to come.



Mr. David Wyant shared some soft guitar strumming and wonderful old tunes from three decades ago. His easy style was well received by the teenagers as well as the adults.

The Lacombes, husband and wife from Rouses Point, took us down memory lane with some great old tunes,... their harmony blended with the sounds of a beautiful Martin guitar.

Did you know? ...that one in three teens have been or will be involved in a violent relationship? ...that boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children? ...that every day, more than three women are murdered by an intimate partner? I was very surprised by these statistics which are in a brochure handed out at the event.


There are services to assist if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. Don't be afraid to call them!



10 comments:

Dog Trot Farm said...

Astounding facts. Sounds like a very enjoyable evening. Thanks for sharing.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Cedar, Those facts you gave are astounding. I knew that domestic violence was bad --but didn't know that it was THAT bad.

There's a center in Crossville that works with people who have been in a domestic violence situation. In order to raise money, they operate a clothing store (totally run by volunteers) in the mall here. All clothing is donated --and all monies go to help those people in need through that agency. It's really neat.

Your concert sounds WONDERFUL. I'll watch for ALKATRAZ to make the big-time.

Hugs,
Betsy

Tammie Lee said...

it is quite painful to take in the facts that you have listed. It is also good to be aware of these things. It does seem that people repeat what they are exposed to in their homes. Sad that people do not have loving examples to follow. Thank you for sharing a topic that needs to be addressed with our human hearts!

Shelley said...

So sad about those domestic violence statistics. I use to volunteer at a women's shelter many years ago - it broke my heart repeatedly - especially since many of them went back to their abuser. It's hard to break the cycle of violence but we must keep trying.
Your concert sounded like it was lovely - I enjoy listening to live music too!

Char said...

many of these same stats relate to child abuse - we are much more likely to be hurt by one we love than a stranger.

troutbirder said...

Thanks for reminding. I've encountered more than a few of the consequences of this in teaching...

Anonymous said...

Double congrats to Gabe, Austin, Jack and Aaron. Wonderful cause, and what a neat event. Pretty neat that the event featured young adults, the peer group the event was really for. Awesome.

The Silver Age Sara said...

What a lovely time you must have had.

I never knew the facts about teen boys and violence. That's a pretty scary statistic. It would be great if we could reach them before the violence occurs. Thanks for letting us know about this.

NCmountainwoman said...

What a wonderful way to spread this important message. Thanks for sharing.

Carolyn said...

The sad thing about your facts Cedar is in the harsh economic times we are in they will only get worse and as our government cut costs these are the services that will lose funding. It will be put upon each and every one of us to reach out and help where we can.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings and smiles