On behalf of everyone at The Beaman Home, I would like to offer our sincere heartfelt condolences to Erin Siefert and her son for the loss of their mother and grandmother, Penny K. Savage. There are no words that can be spoken to ease the pain, but you are in our hearts and in our prayers during this difficult time.
Thursday's tragic events brings domestic violence to the surface for the whole community to witness. It is a harsh reminder that domestic violence is not just a family issue, but a community issue. A person is abused every 15 seconds in America, and it is estimated that one in three people have witnessed some form of domestic violence. A tragedy like this can happen anywhere and at anytime. This fact was proven when such a violent incident happened in a small, close-knit community like Leesburg.
Domestic violence is a disease which affects all communities, large and small. This is a time for our community to pull together, and not ignore the fact that domestic violence is here. What we can do as a community is educate ourselves; know the signs of abuse; know the resources in our community for victims. The worst thing we can to is remain silent and expect someone else to speak up, because that "someone else" may never step forward, and the violence and tragedies will continue. We all have a voice, and a message. We, as a community, need to stand together to let abusers know that we do not condone their behaviors, and that we will stand up for, and stand beside, the victim in her difficult journey of healing.
If I could get one message out today, when I have such a heavy heart, that message would be to the silent victims in our community. To the ones who have not yet found the strength in themselves to leave; who don't know how to get help; who are lost in the chaos of crisis: You are not alone. There is help available. There is more to life than walking on egg shells. If you are in a violent relationship, be it emotional abuse or physical, Thursday's news report could have been your family. Please, take the safe steps to reach out for help. The Beaman Home here to help you. We have a 24-hour crisis line. We have a safe shelter. And we are support for you and your family. We also offer outreach services to victims not ready to leave, but need guidance and support. All we ask is that you reach out before it's too late.
The Beaman Home is here during this difficult time for any member of the community who feels they need to talk about what has happened, or would like more information about domestic violence and its effects - 574-267-7701 / 877-725-9363.
