Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg, IN

News

October 25, 2012

Empty shoes represent lives lost to domestic violence

Tess Rowing Greensburg Daily News

Greensburg — New Directions will be taking part in National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by lining 61 pairs of shoes on the courthouse lawn Sunday.

Sixty-one men, women and children died as a result of domestic violence in Indiana last year. From about 4 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday Oct 28., “Their Empty Shoes” will commemorate the victims and also the survivors of domestic violence during the short presentation.

Staff members of New Directions will read poems “Why do they stay?” and “Remember my name,” which describes how some relationships start positively, but eventually some relationships begin to deteriorate. The the names of the deceased 61 will be read, along with a brief summary of their story.

According to Diane Moore, New Directions executive director, in the United States three women, three children and one man are killed as a result of domestic violence daily.

Annually in the United States, police respond to 51 million acts of domestic violence, yet domestic violence is considered one of the most under-reported crimes. In an 18-month period, the Greensburg Police Department responded to 577 domestic violence-related 911 calls.

New Directions provides services to anyone who feels victimized. “We’re in the business of reacting and helping people who are in crisis. We step into action and help them with whatever they need,” said Moore.

New Directions helps people fill out paperwork for protective orders, provides medical help, counseling, life planning assistance, and a number of other services.

Lawn chairs will be set up for visitors, and the event is planned to last approximately 30 minutes. Further questions may be directed to New Directions at 812-662-8223.



Contact: Tess Rowing 812-663-3111 x7004

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