Published: October 10, 2008 12:30 pm         

Benefit for victims of domestic violence

Oklahoma ranks fourth in the nation for women murdered by men in 2006, according to Women in Safe Home (WISH) Inc.

The agency shelters women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

WISH is commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month during October. Kicking the month off is the Saturday bean supper and pie auction in conjunction with the Masonic Lodge 430. Donations of $5 are being accepted.

It will be an opportunity to renew a commitment to prevent domestic violence and assist those who suffer from its devastating effects, WISH officials said. Area political candidates will be speaking.

Oklahoma law enforcement officers responded to 23,400 reports of domestic violence calls in 2007, including 56 domestic violence homicides. That is an increase of 9.2 percent over 1998 statistical reports, WISH said.

WISH plans to display The Oklahoma Silent Witness Silhouettes at Arrowhead Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 31. The initiative honors more than 200 individuals ranging in age from 3 months to 77 years.

“We have added three names this year from the Muskogee area to the silhouettes,” said Tracy Murphy of WISH.

Men, women and children are represented. Each died violently at the hand of someone who was supposed to love them, Murphy said. Most of them were murdered by current or former intimate partners, she said.

Guest speakers include a survivor of domestic violence, along with Muskogee County Sheriff Charles Pearson, Muskogee County Department of Human Services Director Mike Jackson, Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Moore, Special District Judge Robin Adair and District Judge Mike Norman.

Any victim of domestic violence needing information or help should call WISH Shelter Crisis Line at 682-7878.

Anyone who wishes to donate but who cannot make it to the bean supper and pie auction are asked to drop off checks made out to WISH, Inc., at the Masonic Lodge at Sixth and Boston streets.

If you go

WHAT: Bean Supper and Pie Auction.
WHEN: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Masonic Lodge 430, Sixth Street and Boston Avenue, Muskogee.
WHO: To benefit Women in Safe Homes, Inc., (WISH) in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
INFORMATION: 682-7879 or 683-2258.
Reach Donna Hales at 918-684-2923 or Click Here to Send Email