By Karen Hall

Editor

The first-ever Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness Month was held Tuesday at Rock Creek Park. Thanks to tireless work by Crystal Gray, Kim Young, Shaun Grant, and others, Marshall County now has its own shelter for victims of domestic violence, called "New Beginnings," which opened in May.

First to speak was General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Lee Bowles.

"I want to thank Crystal for all she's done," Bowles began. "I've watched her dedication. I thank each of you for your awareness of this important community issue. Together we are strong; strength builds respect; and respect builds kindness."

Gray has been helping victims of domestic violence since she was 18 years old, and knows it is a serious problem that will touch one in three women in their lifetime. There is no typical victim, she said: they come from all races and socio-economic backgrounds. What many of them need is a shelter in their own community, so that they can be close to their job, children's schools, and family members.

In her three years with the Department of Parole and Probation, Gray built a relationship with the local law enforcement community, and learned that there was no shelter for victims of domestic violence in Marshall County. Finally, a detective introduced her to Grant, and together they made things begin to happen. With the opening of New Beginnings, victims in Marshall County can begin to make the transition from victim to survivor.

"Law enforcement response has been overwhelming," said Gray.

Marshall County Sheriff Norman Dalton and Lewisburg Police Detective Scott Braden received plaques honoring the work their departments have done for victims of domestic violence.

"We pledge to continue to be a resource for them," Gray said.

Co-director Young explained New Beginnings has been full all the time since it opened. She told the audience what she and Gray and their volunteers do for the women who come there. They provide crisis management, shelter, and transportation; work with law enforcement and help with legal issues; and try to increase community awareness.

"Our job is really huge, but that's what we're here for," Young said.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Lindsey Arp, whose case Gray called one of the most horrific she had ever seen.

Arp is the one who had boiling oil flung over her as she slept on the night of April 11, 2011, by Ryan Haase, the father of two of her children. Arp had told him that day their abusive relationship was over, and she wanted him out of the house.

Prosecutors fully expected to try the case as first-degree murder, Gray said, but amazingly Arp survived, spending 126 days in the hospital, and four weeks in a rehabilitation facility.

"Prosecutor Eddie Barnard said some cases are worse than murder," Arp said. "I'm living proof of that. On Oct. 1, 2012, the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month last year, Ryan Haase was sentenced to 40 years in prison. October has a whole other meaning for me.

"No one deserves to be a victim of domestic violence," Arp continued. "No one knows the true struggles of the victims. I don't live in fear any more. I am grateful and honored to be here with my children."

The crowd gave Arp a standing ovation when she finished speaking.

"Domestic violence does exist in our community," said Grant. "So do faith, hope, and love. We can end domestic violence in Marshall County. We have heard their voice and the community has responded. A community that promotes faith, hope, and love will be part of the solution."

Grant then read "Abuse Poem" by Misty Wildes, which begins, "From the depths of despair when my world fell apart, I felt all alone and heavy in heart" and ends "I cried a river of tears learning to love me and facing my fears."

"Thank you everyone for coming," said Young as the candles were blown out, "Together we can make a difference in Marshall County."

If you want to help New Beginnings with money, time, or goods, call (931) 637-7625, visit www.newbeginningsdvc.org or email info@newbeginningsdvc.org. Mail can be sent to New Beginnings, 330 5th Avenue North, Lewisburg, TN 37091.