BOS welcomes new executive director of Haven House and declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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At Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board welcomed Krystal Hamlin and Christine Bridges of Haven House in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Hamlin, Outreach Coordinator at Haven House, started by thanking the Board for their support and helping work with victims of domestic violence. Hamlin has spent over 6 years working with victims of domestic violence.

Hamlin then introduced Haven House’s new Executive Director, Christine Bridges.

“I’d like to thank you all for this opportunity this morning,” Bridges began. “As the new Executive Director I do plan to work with you all to ensure that Haven House still is a staple of this community and thank you for your continued support.”

Board President Kelle Barfield then read the proclamation:

“Whereas domestic violence crimes… occur with alarming frequency, and whereas thousands of children witness domestic violence against a caregiver each year putting them at risk for long term physical and mental problems and increasing the likelihood that they will become perpetrators or victims of domestic violence themselves, and whereas the effects… reach far beyond victims and perpetrators, causing pain and anguish to friends and family, and causing serious disruption in our communities, schools, places of work, worship, and neighborhoods, and whereas the Board of Supervisors, law enforcement, and judicial members in cooperation with Haven House Family Shelter are dedicated to reducing domestic violence crime, protecting victims… and holding perpetrators accountable for their behavior, now therefore the Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Warren County, and we do urge all citizens to work to end domestic violence in coordination with [Haven House’s] strong strong efforts.”

Barfield then gave recognition for Haven House’s continued efforts in what might feel like a “constant uphill battle…” at times. However, “…with every success there is great victory in every individual achievement.”