October 2019 - Greenville, MS Volume 7
Voices Making a Difference - Newsletter
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month


National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in October. For many, home is a place of love, warmth, and comfort. It’s somewhere that you know you will be surrounded by care and support, and a nice little break from the busyness of the real world. But for millions of others, home is anything but a sanctuary. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. 

  • Every 9 seconds, a woman in the U.S. is beaten or assaulted by a current or ex-significant other. 

  • 1 in 4 men are victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
 
Here’s another shocking statistic: the number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2012 is 6,488. The number of women who were murdered by current or ex-male partners during that same time frame is 11,766, according to the Huffington Post. That’s almost double the number of people who were killed fighting in the war. People who are in an abusive relationship will stay with their partner for a number of reasons:

  • Their self-esteem is totally destroyed, and they are made to feel they will never be able to find another person to be with.
  • The cycle of abuse, meaning the ‘honeymoon phase’ that follows physical and mental abuse, makes them believe their partner really is sorry and does love them.
  • It’s dangerous to leave. Women are 70 times more likely to be killed in the weeks after leaving their abusive partner than at any other time in the relationship, according to the Domestic Violence Intervention program.
  • Statistics suggest that almost 5 percent of male homicide victims each year are killed by an intimate partner.
  • They feel personally responsible for their partner, or their own behavior. They are made to feel like everything that goes wrong is their fault.
  • They share a life. Marriages, children, homes, pets, and finances are a big reason victims of abuse feel they can’t leave.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #DomesticViolenceAwareness to post on social media. Sometimes, people don’t know if they are really in an abusive relationship because they’re used to their partner calling them crazy or making them feel like all the problems are their own fault. Here are a few ways to know if you’re in an abusive relationship that you need to get out of.

  1. Your partner has hit you, beat you, or strangled you in the past.
  2. Your partner is possessive. They check up on you constantly wondering where you are; they get mad at you for hanging out with certain people if you don’t do what they say.
  3. Your partner is jealous. (A small amount of jealousy is normal and healthy) however, if they accuse you of being unfaithful or isolate you from family or friends, that means the jealousy has gone too far.
  4. Your partner puts you down. They attack your intelligence, looks, mental health, or capabilities. They blame you for all of their violent outbursts and tell you nobody else will want you if you leave.
  5. Your partner threatens you or your family.
  6. Your partner physically and sexually abuses you. If they EVER push, shove, or hit you, or make you have sex with them when you don’t want to, they are abusing you (even if it doesn’t happen all the time.)

HISTORY
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The “Day of Unity” soon evolved into a week, and in October of 1987, the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In 1989 Congress passed Public Law 101-112, officially designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has been passed each year since.
As this month comes to an end, the important discussion it brings to the forefront about domestic violence’s horrific repercussions should not.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please click  here  for help. If you are in danger, call 911.

For more information:

  • https://national-domestic-violence-awareness-month-october/
  • https://ncadv.org/statistics
Our House, Inc.'s
Advisory Board Member/Co-Founder
Highlight
Bishop/Dr. Roderick Mitchell
Biography Summary
        
Bishop Roderick Mitchell surrendered his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1977.  He has been proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ since July of 1978.  He is the Founder and Pastor of the New Life Church, Inc. of Cleveland, Mississippi since March of 1994.  As a Pastor - Teacher to the Body of Christ, the Spirit of God through him enlightens, empowers, and encourages the lives of men to embrace the will of God. Consequently, he travels extensively, ministering to clergy, victim service advocates, students and church congregations alike.  

Bishop Mitchell educational history consist of: three doctorate degrees: Doctorate of Divinity, Tyrannus University of Biblical Studies, College of Theology & Divinity, Santa Teresa, New Mexico, June 21, 2008; Doctorate of  Ministryfrom Minnesota Graduate School of Theology, June 6, 1998; Doctor of Apostolic Ministry, Institute for Teaching God's Word Theological Seminary; Rockdale, Texas,  June 7, 1997.Master of Christian Counseling, Triune Biblical University, Longview, Washington, May  1997; Bachelors of Biblical Studies, Institute for Teaching God's Word Seminary,Rockdale, TX, June 1995.   

He is the Founder and President of Exodus School of the Bible in Renova, MS, July 2000 to present; Bishop and Founder of Miletus Covenant Connection (32 churches world-wide), Cleveland, MS, July 2006 to present; Consecration to the Bishopric, Covenant Connection International, Bishop Nate Holcomb-Presiding Prelate, Headquarters: Coppers Cove & Killeen, Texas, October 26, 2003.

As a child survivor of domestic violence, Bishop Mitchell has been committed to ending violence against women.   Watching his mom being beaten inspired Bishop Mitchell to co-found Our House, Inc.: New Birth To Violence Free Living, serving nine counties in the Mississippi Delta in October 1995.  Their mission is to eliminate domestic violence and sexual violence through intervention, prevention, prosecution, victim protection and sustainable restoration.  Bishop Mitchell created and design the first Domestic Violence Batterers’ group entitled: Men Against Spousal Harm (MASH) in February 1996.  This program has served over 1,600 men; empowering men to stop domestic violence on the home front.  Bishop Mitchell established the first rape crisis hotline in the MS Delta in October  1994.

Bishop Mitchell has received numerous awards for his dedication to ending interpersonal violence from our community including ANGEL AWARD,  For his dedication to providing a safe haven for battered women and their families that addresses their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs, August 13, 2012, Norfolk, VA, by the Institute on Domestic Violence in the Africa American Community.  ‘CHAMPION OF CHANGE’ Award , by President Barack Obama’s Winning the Future initiative (whitehouse.gov/champions), honoring fathers and leaders who embody the President’s passion to support and strengthen fatherhood and families in local communities, Washington, DC. June 14, 2012,  CERTIFICATION OF HONOR given by the State of Texas House of Representatives, May 31, 1997;  NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS SERVICE AWARD , the highest federal honor for victim advocacy, sponsored by the  U. S. Department of Justice , Office of Justice program ,  Office for Victims of Crime , Washington, D.C.,  presented by Vice-President Al Gore and U. S. Attorney General Janet Reno, April 18, 1997.

His deep healing approach to ministry transcends cultural and denominational barriers.   He is married to the former Mary Butler.  They have been blessed with one child:  Isaac.

A colleague of Bishop Mitchell indicates that his deep belief in the power of education transcends cultural and denominational barriers, reaching all crime victims, young and old, as well as at-risk youth, with inspirational messages that help to heal and prevent crime.  Bishop Mitchell is an energetic speaker...outgoing leader...high achiever...with strong belief in the Gospel of Jesus and the Principles of God's Kingdom.
 

BLOG MESSAGE
I remember the Christmas Eve, when my dad a (police officer) chased my mom, brother, sister and me out of the house.  We ran to hide in a ditch on the side of the road wearing only our pajamas. I vividly remember snow on the ground in what felt like 15-degree weather.  We huddled together in fear as we watched our dad drive by hunting us down like animals, looking to beat us again.  I remember at age 10, my dad holding a gun on my mom and I stepped in between them and my dad saying to me, “Son, I will kill you just as I will your mom.”  I did not move!  He picked me up and threw me against the wall.  It was only by the Grace of God, that I did not die nor did my mom that day.

I remember one day I was praying, the Lord made it so clear to me that the pain of my past was punishing me in my present and it would paralyze my future if I didn’t get involve in breaking the  cycle of violence.  I had to be liberated and emancipated from the emotional jailhouse that my father’s violence had incarnated into my life.  I began to go on a journey to seek and search on how I can be free from what I had grown up in…. because I realize with the manifestation of the Glory of God in my life I did not have to follow in the footsteps of my dad, grandfather and uncle, all who were batterers.  I realized I was the cornerstone of my future and the future of my children.  
It was my role to break the generational cycle of violence and set an example for others.For it is the darkness at home that frightens  many victims more so than the fear of strangers.   Many victims feel a deep terror of being powerless at home… not realizing that they have the power to be free.It is my role to help them realize the power they have to survive the violence at home and to be liberated from their own fear.

Violence is everywhere, in my community.  In 1995, I was humbled to be asked to be a co-founder of Our House, Inc.: domestic violence and sexual assault community project.  In 2010, our agency served 2,758 men, women, and children with direct services and 9,407adults, youth, and children participating in an Our House prevention program within nine Mississippi Delta Counties.  Because I’m prepelled to reach out to other faith based leaders and fathers through prevention activities, I co-sponsored “A Father’s Conversation” Media Blitz to engage men in the movement to stop domestic violence in our community.  This consisted of several television shows and photo showings of fathers who have been exposed to domestic violence.  I have spoken to over 12,000 youth on building and maintaining healthy relationships.  I have given my testimony to over 100 churches on who are we in the ministry and how it is our job to enlighten people on the strength within us that God has given to us to help others.  I strive to live my life as a representative of Christ, teaching others His legend of love.  

The lyrics of our national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner says, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?   Yet, victims of domestic violence are never free in their home, they are always at war.   We need to stand up and fight for victims of domestic violence.   I have found that silence is deadly when a community does not reach out to others who are in need of support. 

It is has become one of my missions to break the generational cycle of domestic violence.    I am honored to be a considered a Champion of Change honoree; but, I cannot take the credit for what God has empowered me to do.  I thank God for the support and understanding of my wife (Mary) and son (Isaac).  I am so thankful for the God that is within me.
A Brief Message from the Bishop!
Direct Services
WOMEN'S SUPPORTIVE CALLS GROUP
"Sisters of Faith"
 Contact Dr. Davenport at 662-334-6873 for additional details.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS ~ AGES 13-24
Join our W.A.V.E. Youth Council
W orking A gainst V iolence E verywhere
Contact Felecia Thomas at 662-334-6873 for additional details .
"Protect Her at All Cost"
October 16, 2019
Contact Person: Tammie Hudson, Campus Violence Prevention Coordinator (MVSU)
Sponsored by: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mississippi Valley State University Chapter
Mississippi Valley State University Campus Violence Prevention Program
January - October 2019
Donors

African American Domestic Peace Project (AADPP)

Anonymous 1
 
Anonymous 2
 
Agape Storge Christian Center
Greenville, MS
 
Beverly Rives, FIC
Woodmen Life Representative
 
Dollar General
Distribution Center
Indianola, MS
 
Inter-Denominational Ministerial Alliance of Greenville and Vicinity

Regions Bank
(Greenville's Branch)

New Jerusalem MB Church
Mission Ministry
Greenville, MS
 
Pajama Program
New York, NY
 
Shiloh Seventh Day
Adventist Church
Greenwood, MS

United Ways
Bolivar County
Washington County
 
Walnut Grove Baptist Church
Greenville, MS
 
Washington County
Visitor’s Bureau
We would like to thank Regions Bank of Greenville, MS and The Department of Child Support (Greenville, Cleveland, Clarksdale and Greenwood branches) for their donation of supplies. Pictured right to left: Mary Granton, Regional Director of Child Support Division, Greenville; Yvette Garner and Dilworth Ricks (Our House staff);Linette Perry and Raashidah Shepherd from Regions Bank.
EDUCATIONAL LINK

Domestic Violence

MCASA

MCADV

SAFE HAVEN (Interfaith partnership against domestic violence and elderly abuse)

35 movies that survivors says reflects domestic violence

SPECIAL NOTE: We do not endorse the purchasing of any items. We are ONLY sharing information that may be useful to survivors and advocates.
October is nationally known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a time period set aside to acknowledge the effects of violence in the family. You Can Make a Difference.
Our House, Inc.
662-334-6873 office * 662-332-5683 hotline voices@ourhousevoices.com * www.ourhousevoices.com
VISION STATEMENT: A world free of interpersonal violence.

MISSION STATEMENT: To lead, empower and inspire change by eliminating domestic violence and sexual violence through intervention, prevention, prosecution, victim protection and sustainable restoration in rural communities; and, to enhance the lives of survivors of interpersonal violence by providing services that meet the psychological, spiritual and cultural needs of those we serve.