Vicksburg Rally urges Teens to recognize and escape Dating Violence

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — At a rally held Saturday at Washington Street Park to raise awareness about teen dating violence, Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace emphasized the concerning statistics surrounding domestic abuse among teenagers.

“Violence is a choice that someone makes, and if you’re with somebody that is making that decision, then you are with the wrong person,” said Pace. “Somewhere around 7 to 10 percent of teen homicides are committed by a romantic partner, and national statistics show that only about one in five domestic assaults are ever even reported. It’s one of the crimes that goes unreported more often than it is reported.”

Pace said both his deputies and the Vicksburg Police Department respond to domestic calls regularly, and the cycle of abuse often begins at home.

“It’s so sad when you see this as a cycle. The children see the parents, the parents saw their parents, and it’s just this nonstop accepting that this is the way of life—and it’s not. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, whether it’s verbal or physical, get out.”

According to a recent crime statistics report from the Vicksburg Police Department, 44 cases of domestic violence were reported in January and February alone.

Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones spoke to the crowd about early warning signs in relationships and urged teens to trust their instincts.

“We need to trust our instincts. Girls, guys—trust your instincts,” said Jones. “If you first start getting into your relationship, it’s nice in the beginning. S/he’s calling your phone, s/he’s texting you all day long, and you’re thinking it’s so cute for him/her to be doing that. But, in reality, if you think about it, he or she is just trying to keep up with what you’re doing. You’ve got to know at some point, something’s not right about that.”

Jones encouraged self-education and awareness.

“When you hear about things going on in different communities where teens are getting hurt in relationships, educate yourself. Think about what’s going on in your own relationship and ask yourself if you’re experiencing something similar. You need to have an escape plan—especially when you know you’ve been in a bad relationship. There’s nothing wrong with leaving, and don’t stay silent.”

Both Sheriff Pace and Chief Jones urged individuals in unhealthy or violent relationships to seek help—whether from a close friend, a trusted family member, or by calling 911.

The rally was organized by the Municipal Court of Vicksburg’s Beverly Prentiss Domestic Violence Victim Empowerment Program Committee, in collaboration with the Youth Development Center, and was sponsored by the City of Vicksburg, Haven House Family Shelter, and the Mississippi CASA Program.

If you, or someone you know, are a victim of domestic violence, call 911 or call the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence toll free number 1-800-799-SAFE(7233).