“Love shouldn’t hurt” is the theme of an Itta Bena workshop being held just a few days before Valentine’s Day.
A domestic violence awareness program will be held at the L.T. Brazil Center on Thursday at 6 p.m.
“It is important to be aware and knowledgeable of domestic violence, because it is so prevalent everywhere,” said Ruthie Robinson, health coordinator of Itta Bena Community Outreach.
The event is sponsored by Our House, Inc., the Itta Bena Police Department, Itta Bena Community Outreach and Community for All Ages.
“We want people to be more aware of what can be done to help people who are in situations where domestic violence is occurring,” Robinson said. “They need to know where to go and what they can do.”
One speaker lost a teenage family member as the result of acts by a violent boyfriend, Robinson said.
“There are men as well as women suffering from domestic violence,” Robinson said. “It goes both ways.”
The panel discussions will focus on domestic violence from the perspectives of law and family, church and community, and work and schools.
Robinson said abuse can be physical or mental.
“You can get talked down so much that you feel like nothing,” she said. “It’s just a part of that person trying to control you. You have to know that you are important as an individual.”
Itta Bena Court Clerk Clara Evans said they are hoping to see a good turnout Thursday.
“We want people to come out and ask questions,” Evans said. “Sometimes people are in denial that they are in a domestic violence situation. They need to know they don’t have to be killed to be considered a victim of domestic violence.”
Valentine-themed giveaways will also be a feature of the event. For more information about the discussion, contact Ruthie Robinson at (662) 254-6311.
