Group raising awareness about domestic violence

Limestone County Crime Stoppers will host “Building a Safer Community: Recognizing and Addressing Domestic Violence” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Methodist Church Activity Center in Groesbeck.

The organizers of the free communitywide domestic violence workshop hope to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in the county to provide victims with support, said attorney Michelle Latray, one of the speakers at the workshop.

“Domestic violence is an issue that impacts individuals, families and children regardless of socioeconomic status, race or religion,” said Latray, who notes that in her work she comes across many people affected by it. “Children in particular can be traumatized when they are involved in or simply witness such incidents.”

Limestone County Sheriff Murray Agnew reports that his office responded to about 75 domestic violence calls in 2024. The calls ranged from terroristic threats to aggravated assault, he said.

Agnew, who will also be speaking at the forum, added that domestic violence is vastly underreported because victims often fear the abuser, and they are unaware of the services available to help them.

“While law enforcement works to address these cases, actual progress requires community collaboration and support from organizations dedicated to preventing domestic abuse,” Agnew said. “Programs and workshops play a vital role in bringing awareness of the impacts of domestic abuse and also helping educate victims of abuse about the serves that are available to assist them.”

The topics to be addressed at the event are red flags in a relationship, how to recognize a victim or abuser, how to help someone get out, how to deal with a stalker, protecting children and safety tips.

In addition to Latray and Agnew, other speakers will be Victim Service Coordinator Glynn Sloan and Family Abuse Center Director Elaina Lassetter.

Organizers of the event say that the involvement and support of individuals in the community are crucial to addressing and preventing domestic violence. “Your influence can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence,” they say.

Resources and services information will be made available at the workshop. Coffee and donuts will be served. The Methodist Church Center is at 212 W. Navasota Street in Groesbeck.