Lexington city officials are announcing a new public awareness campaign directed at domestic violence. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said one-third of homicides this year have been domestic violence-related. She noted there were none at this point last year.
The “It’s Time” initiative includes an effort to increase attention about the problem. Speaking at Wednesday’s announcement was Whit Whitaker, director of the Lyric Theater and Cultural Arts Center. Whitaker said he was a witness to a household of domestic violence.
“And I can tell you it’s important because no matter how adjusted you are or you think you are. It wears on you. You’re never fully able to understand or get rid of it,” said Whitaker.
Stephanie Theakston is with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition. She said the “It’s Time” effort will focus on raising awareness, talking about it in group conversations, and doing something about it.
“So this is a local campaign. The committee that put this together was very clear from the beginning that they wanted Lexingtonians speaking to Lexingtonians, saying this is what is happening in our community and it’s our responsibility as a community to prevent domestic violence,” said Theakston.
Victims of domestic violence and those who know of someone undergoing domestic violence are urged to call 3-1-1. In addition to public awareness messaging, the effort also includes community conversations. Those are scheduled to begin in January. Phase three involves committing to action with practical things everyone can do to help prevent domestic violence.
