YOUNGSTOWN Domestic violence addressed

Some 31 percent of American women report being abused in their homes.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- All sectors of society must take a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence, speakers at a candlelight vigil said.
"There's no excuse for domestic violence, because domestic violence is a crime, and everyone has to work together to help to end domestic violence," said Malinda Gavins, program director of the Sojourner House shelter for victims of such violence.
The purpose: "We are mourning those who died as a result of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived domestic violence," she said at Monday's annual vigil and rally, which served as the kick-off to domestic violence awareness month, on the steps of Stambaugh Auditorium.
"Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions in this country,'' she said, citing a recent study finding that 31 percent of American women report being abused in their homes.
Sojourner House, which is observing its 10th anniversary, is a program of the Burdman Group, which sponsors the "Day of Unity" observance every first Monday in October. This year's event was attended by about 50 people, many of them victims of domestic violence.
Two judges, Theresa Dellick, of Mahoning County Juvenile Court, and Loren Popio, of Mahoning County Court in Sebring, both newly appointed to their positions this year, pledged their support in the effort to end this form of abuse.
Far-reaching: "Domestic violence is a serious offense. It's far-reaching," Judge Dellick said. "We have children who come in with families, and we must stop the problem," she said. "We all need to be vocal against domestic violence. We need to tell people that behavior is not acceptable. "If we don't put a stop to domestic violence, we teach our young boys to be violent, we teach our young girls to be victims, and we continue this terrible cycle," she said, adding that family counseling and anger management training are provided at the county Juvenile Justice Center.
"We ask all religious, political and business leaders in our community to speak out on this issue. It is only with a collective effort of all people of good will that we will win the battle against the scourge of domestic violence," Judge Popio said. He said he is amazed at the number of domestic violence cases he encounters in his court in Sebring.
"What is happening to a culture that puts a premium on security systems to protect our belongings, but that fails to make sure that we ourselves are secure in our own homes with those whom we love?," the judge asked, citing four battering cases in Austintown alone, which were reported in Monday's Vindicator. "How many cases go unreported?", he asked.
Judge Popio said he is instituting the "Peace at Home Program" this month in his court, which will include a community education effort, a court-directed prevention and intervention effort, and a court-sponsored drive to help agencies apply for a U.S. Department of Justice grant to help the community deal with domestic violence.
One of the best things one can do for a victim is listen, Gavins said, adding that it is helpful to be aware of the local agencies and resources that can help.
"We have to think globally, network nationally and act locally. There is no time of waste. We must recognize the link between battering and other forms of oppression, discrimination and violence against women," Gavins concluded.