A “Break the Silence” procession will begin at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department. An open house at Caring House, 1305 Prospect Ave., Iron Mountain, will follow from noon to 6:30 p.m.

IRON MOUNTAIN – During the last few months Caring House has undergone a large renovation to the residential area of the facility.

“We are excited to offer you the opportunity to see the comfortable home setting Caring House offers to victims of domestic violence,” said Cheryl O’Neil, Caring House director. “If you have ever considered referring a friend or someone you work with to Caring House, now is a great time to come and learn about all the services and check out facility.”

The open house and “Break the Silence” event will take place on Tuesday.

“Please join with us again at the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department as we make our way through town honking horns and blaring sirens,” O’Neil said. “The participants are asked to gather at 11:45 a.m., the procession will begin at 12 noon. “

The open house will start after the processional and will go on throughout the day, concluding at 6:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend the Break the Silence event, but would still like to come see the changes at Caring House, feel free to stop in any time between noon and 6:30 p.m.

Domestic violence thrives in silence, but voices have power. Help break the silence. The goal of the Tuesday’s event is to assist the community to better understand the extent of this epidemic–and the life and death consequences of domestic violence. 

Each and every year the National Network to End Domestic Violence conducts a national one-day survey of the nation’s domestic violence programs. This year’s report shows that while nearly 75,000 victims of domestic violence received services on a single day, more than 9,000 requests were unmet because programs lacked the resources to help.

“The 13th annual Domestic Violence Counts Census makes it clear that advocates at local domestic violence programs save lives, increase awareness, and help us move closer to a world free from gender-based violence — and that is worth investing in,” said Cindy Southworth, executive vice president at NNEDV.

Some believe that domestic violence does not happen here in our rural hometown. However, the truth is that annually, Caring House provides services to more than 500 individuals, assistance to 1,400 crisis calls, and nearly 2,000 bed-nights.

“Please join our community as we come together to demonstrate our support for victims of domestic violence and let families know they are not alone,” O’Neil said.