Local law enforcement agents, elected officials, victims’ advocates and representatives from the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter were at Laurel City Hall Thursday for the signing of a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month by Mayor Melvin Mack.

“Acknowledging it (domestic violence) is the first step to combating it,” said Domestic Abuse Family Shelter board member Elma Portero.

Domestic Abuse Family Shelter Executive Director Becky Sims said that declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to increase awareness.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “Mississippi ranks second highest in the nation for domestic violence.”

Sims said that domestic violence is a pattern of behavior of power, control and consistent domination of another human being. She said that often times people think that it is solely anger.

“It’s not an anger issue. It’s power and control and anger stems from that,” Sims said.

Sims said that victims of domestic violence should call 911 and they can direct the person to the domestic abuse shelter or contact local law enforcement. She said that it is important that everyone works together.

“That translates into justice for the victims,” Sims said.

Not only does Sims coordinate the shelter, but she also helps provide counseling for victims of domestic violence. Counseling is available for those who stay at the shelter and those who do not.

Deborah Warren, victim coordinator for the district attorney’s office, said that her office provides services as well.

“We stand in the gap for the victim to give them a peace of mind,” Warren said. “Victims’ rights are advocated through the judiciary process.”

Warren said that it is important for victims to realize that “they are not alone and they don’t have to face this horrendous crime alone, because domestic abuse is considered a violent crime punishable by prison time.”

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, several activities are planned. The first event will be clergy training provided by the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter on Oct. 16 beginning at 6 p.m. at Faith Sanctuary of Praise Church, and the second event will be “The Faces of Domestic Violence: Love Shouldn’t Hurt” walk. The walk will begin at Pinehurst Park on Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m.